UT Permian Basin Athletics announced the hiring of David Martinez s the Falcons' new Head Softball Coach in May 2025. In four seasons as head coach at Henderson State University, Martinez had a career record of 66-133. His combined coaching record between HSU and UTPB is 84-164 in five seasons as a collegiate head coach.
UTPB finished its first season under Coach Martinez in 2026 18-31 overall and 9-29 in the Lone Star Conference. It was a great first season for the Falcons under Coach Martinez. UTPB started the season 7-2 and went 9-2 overall in nonconference action. UTPB closed out its first weekend of LSC action with a 2-0 shutout win by Jessica Cantrell in game one at Midwestern State University (Feb. 22). It was the Falcons' first road conference win since April 21, 2023. An epic 10-inning affair resulted in a 2-1 win in game one for UTPB against Texas A&M University-Kingsville (Feb. 27) at the UTPB Softball Park. It was the first win for UTPB against TAMUK since March 4, 2017, and was the end of an 18-game losing streak against the Javelinas. UTPB hit four home runs on the afternoon and did not allow a single earned run between both games in a midweek, nonconference clash against the University of the Southwest (N.M) (Mar. 18). In the end, UTPB won 9-2 in game one and needed only five innings to earn a 14-0 win in game two over the Mustangs. With a record of 11-16 overall after the two wins, UTPB reached double-digit wins for the first time in a season since 2022. It is also the most wins in a single season for UTPB's four seniors (Keri Sanford, Angelina Arriaga, Kelsey Valo, Gabriella Cabrera). Offensively, it was the first time UTPB hit at least two home runs in back-to-back games since February 5, 2023. Pitching-wise, it was the first time UTPB did not allow an earned run in back-to-back games since doing it in three straight games in 2022. Lastly, it was the first time UTPB did not issue a single walk in back-to-back games since April 26-27, 2019. Cantrell continued her standout sophomore campaign by leading UTPB to a 3-2 win in game two at No. 12 nationally-ranked Angelo State University (Apr. 2). It was UTPB's first-ever win against Angelo State in San Angelo, Texas (25-1). It was also the Falcons' first nationally-ranked win since April 22, 2022. A one-hit shutout by Cantrell and a five-RBI game for Kaylee Moses helped UTPB win game one vs. Midwestern State University (Apr. 24) 8-0 in six innings and tie the program record for most LSC wins in a single season. Then in game number two, the record fell as UTPB registered six consecutive hits in the middle of a five-run third inning while Laila Vasquez tossed her second shutout of the season, helping lead the Falcons to a 7-0 victory. UTPB improved to 18-25 overall and 9-23 in the LSC, breaking the previous program record of eight LSC wins set in 2022. In addition, the Falcons' 18 overall wins tied for the second-most in a single season in program history, while their 16 Division II wins were the most. In addition to sweeping an LSC opponent for the first time this season, it was the Falcons' first time earning back-to-back shutouts in LSC action in program history (joined the LSC starting in the 2017 season). Lastly, game one vs. MSU was UTPB's first run-rule win in LSC play since March 6, 2022.
During the 2024-25 school year, 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. Martinez compiled a 66-133 record in his four seasons as head coach and 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.
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Martinez at UTPB
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| Year |
Season at UTPB |
Overall Record |
Conference Record |
Conference Finish/Accolades |
| 2026 |
1st |
18-31 |
9-29 |
14th of 17 LSC |
| Overall |
18-31 (.367 pct.) |
9-29 (.237 pct.) |
|
