Athlete of the Week: Barbara Martinez

The Rider October 16, 2023

Barbara Martinez, a criminal justice junior, is a member of the UTRGV Women’s Tennis Team. Last spring, Martinez went 11-6 in singles and 13-5 in doubles and earned Doubles All-WAC Second Team honors with teammate Lea Karren.

Q: Who or what inspired you to join tennis?

A: “My mom and dad. They used to play a lot. That’s how they met. So, they kind of just passed it to me.”

Q: What was the best advice you’ve been given and by whom?

A: “By one of my teammates, actually, she used to be on the team, Stefanie Wilske. It was just more like, ‘Start focusing on what you’re doing and, like, leave other people alone.’ You know, like, just mind your own business.”

Q: What song hypes you up before a match?

A: “‘Riri’ by Young Miko.”

Q: What do you think has been your greatest achievement or proudest moment, so far?

A: “Getting the scholarship [to play for UTRGV]. I mean, I worked my whole life for this.”

Q: How do you like to spend your free time?

A: “With my roommates. We [will] do, like, [a] movie night, or we will cook out together [and] play with my dog.”

Q: What movie or show could you watch endlessly?

A: “‘How to Get Away with Murder.’”

Q: What would you do if you won the lottery?

A: “Drop out of college and travel.”

Q: Where would you like to travel to?

A: “To Europe with my sister, everywhere.”