ODESSA, Texas (May 28, 2025) – UT Permian Basin Athletics has announced the hiring of David Martinez as the Falcons' new Head Softball Coach.

UTPB Vice President for Athletics Scott Larson said, "I am very excited that David has agreed to lead the Falcon softball program. He is an outstanding softball coach and an even better person. I am looking forward to his impact on the program."

"I want to say thanks for Scott Larson for the opportunity, and I am very excited about taking over the UTPB softball program," said Martinez. "I am from the area and I am fired up to be back with an opportunity to coach at the collegiate level. I am thrilled to join Scott and his staff, and am really looking forward to what he is bringing to campus."

During the last year (2024-25), Martinez served as Head Softball Coach, Assistant Cross Country Coach, and physical education teacher at Compass Academy Charter School in Odessa, Texas.

Martinez was previously the Head Softball Coach for four seasons (2021-2024) at Henderson State University (Arkadelphia, Ark.), where he spent seven years overall (2017-2024). Martinez was hired as the head coach at Henderson following two seasons as the Reddies head assistant coach and a single year as the associate head coach. In his final season (2024), he led Henderson to the Great American Conference Tournament. In all during his time at HSU, he coached 20 All-Great American Conference players and one All-Central Region selection.

Before joining the Reddies starting with the 2018 season, Martinez spent the 2017 season at Conference USA member Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg, Miss.) as an assistant coach. While at Southern Mississippi, he coached two C-USA All-Conference players and helped guide the team to their sixth winning season in school history.

Prior to his stint at Southern Miss, Martinez spent eight years (2008-16) as an assistant coach at Delta State University (Cleveland, Miss.). In 2016, he helped guide the Lady Statesmen to one of their most successful seasons in school history. The Lady Statesmen went 34-20, the most wins in a season since 2008. During the historical run, the Lady Statesmen started 12-0 in GSC play, the best start in conference since the Lady Statesmen won 11 straight in 2004. Continuing to add during the historical run, the Lady Statesmen made their first NFCA Top-25 ranking in school history. In 2014, he helped guide the Lady Statesmen to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2002. Delta State earned the No. 7 seed and posted a 1-2 record at the Tampa super regional, a win over Palm Beach Atlantic, and two losses to No. 2 Tampa. At DSU, Martinez coached 19 All-Gulf South Conference players, nine All-South Region selections, one GSC Freshman of the Year and one All-American.

Martinez spent time as a graduate assistant softball coach at Sul Ross State University (Alpine, Texas), while earning his master of education in physical education, graduating in May 2008. Five years earlier, Martinez was a baseball player for the Lobos, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Sports Medicine in May of 2003. Martinez has also played in the Mexican Professional Baseball League, as well as leagues across the United States.

After graduation, Martinez worked as an assistant coach for baseball and football and was a physical education teacher at Del Rio Junior High and High School (2003-07), the same high school he graduated from in 1996. Martinez also volunteered as a coach in summer recreational baseball leagues.

Martinez and his wife Kelci were married in November of 2017 and have one child, David Jr. They are expecting their second child in November 2025.