In the world of collegiate athletics, there are numerous behind-the-scenes roles that often remain in the shadows but are vital to the success of the department. These roles play a critical part in helping student-athletes excel in the most important thing – the classroom. 

UT Permian Basin Assistant AD for Compliance & Student Success Kelci Martinez is one of those individuals who has a key role in the department.  Martinez's role is essential to the overall success of Falcon Athletics, ensuring student-athletes are not only meeting NCAA eligibility requirements but also staying on track academically.   

"I would say that I spend most of my day working on compliance, but academics are such a big part of that. Making sure we're taking care of our academics, that we're going to class, that we're passing classes. So together, it really all works the same," said Martinez. "Between the two, they keep me very busy." 

Martinez is wrapping up her first year at UTPB and says she's enjoyed being a Falcon and all that she has learned since starting.  

"I learn something new every day, which is great. I'm big on learning and growing and developing and with compliance so many things that change constantly. So, I feel like you can never know everything," said Martinez. "Academic wise, now that we're implementing, my degree plan for both the student-athletes and the faculty staff side, it's going to make a huge difference for us to be able to keep better track of degree plans, how they're tracking, if they want to change their major, can they have certain grades in certain classes. And so, I think with all the resources that we're implementing, it's going to make everything even more streamlined."  

 With "Student Success" in her job title, it's no surprise that one of the things Martinez loves the most about her job is working with the student-athletes.  

"Obviously, I love the student-athletes. I would say that taking over the compliance side now, I don't get to necessarily work with them as much as I would want, but I still get to be game administrator at softball and women's soccer, and help with volleyball, and sometimes I'll help with baseball," said Martinez. "As far as, like, overall, the environment is great. I really enjoy just being around our student-athletes, athletics admin team and our coaches. That's the best part about my job is working with the people I get to work with every day." 

When Martinez does get to sit down with a student-athlete, she enjoys hearing about their story and finding a way to help them succeed in their life.  

"I'm big about really getting to know someone and learn what their strengths are, how we can help them be successful and make sure they have a good experience here," said Martinez. "I feel like when you work with 14 different sports, you have all different types of athletes. They come from all different states and we also have international student-athletes, so I think just getting to know them as a person and also seeing them grow from when they first got here to the point where they walk across the stage. That's the best part of what we do."  

Prior to her job here at UTPB, she spent the last seven years working at Henderson State University in Arkansas. In 2017, she started as an out-of-state admissions counselor and worked her way up to Associate Director. In June of 2023, she was given the opportunity to take over as the Athletic Academic Success Coordinator. In that role, she worked with over 400 student-athletes and 14 different sports.   

It has been nearly two years since Martinez made the transition to athletics administration, and she's enjoyed every second of it. 

"I've always wanted to be in athletics. I played softball in college and my husband played baseball in college, and my sister also played softball in college, so athletics has always been a part of what I've done," said Martinez. "Even when I was in academics, I still had roles with athletics, like a liaison. So, I feel like athletics has always been, near and dear to me and so when I made the transition, it was a dream, because that's what I've always wanted to do." 

Now, Martinez is using that passion and personal experience to help guide and support student-athletes on their own journeys. 

"I feel like I'm where I need to be, and because I have the experience of playing and coaching so I can relate to the kids and really help the student athletes in a different way." said Martinez. "So yeah, I feel like I'm right where I'm supposed to be. I have a lot of learning to continue to do, but we have a great group of student-athletes that keep me encouraged and motivated, and that's exciting." 

While Martinez understands she has a lot to still learn, she is very appreciative of the UTPB faculty, staff, and departments who have helped her during her first year at UTPB. 

"Our Vice President for Athletics Scott Larson has been my mentor this year on the compliance side. He has 20 plus years of compliance experience, and it has been a blessing having him as both a mentor and supervisor through this transition," said Martinez. "Sarah Ramey, Deputy AD/SWA has been a huge mentor and role model for me, and I am super excited to work with her day in and day out. She brings a ton of experience to the team and is a true leader."   

Since Martinez has stepped into her role, the Athletics Department has worked hard to build relationships with different departments across campus, which has resulted in Martinez transition being extremely smooth.  

"I want to extend a huge thank you to Dr. Lapinski and his financial aid team, Dr. Joe Sanders and Stephanie Sherman, Dr. Frawley and the Office of Academic Advising, Ms. Vicki and student accounts, Dr. Simpson, Alejandro and the admissions team, Lin and housing, Dean Benson and his team, and our wonderful FAR Cate Bedard," said Martinez. "We have all worked diligently this academic year to streamline processes and continue to grow our partnerships and work together as a team. I am truly grateful for each and every one and the hard work they pour into both UTPB and our student-athletes."