Committed - Mahuiztli Martinez

The Left Hand Valley Courier is featuring each of the nine Niwot High School students who signed National Letters of Intent on the Nov. 13 fall signing day to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. From soccer to track and field, these athletes represent a diverse array of sports and dreams fulfilled.

Mahuiztli Martinez's soccer journey began when she was just four years old. Encouraged by her mother who put her in cleats for the first time, she stepped onto the field and unknowingly jumped on a path that would shape her life. By the age of nine, Martinez played competitively and was captivated by the game's challenges. "I fell in love with the game as I became obsessed with the idea that I was good at something that is not easy," she said.

Throughout her soccer career, Martinez's position has been anything but static. Her family moved frequently causing her to often find herself on new rosters. "This pushed me to be extremely versatile, which ended up being one of my greatest assets," she said. However, if she had to choose, her favorite positions are midfield and outside back.

Her versatility and calm demeanor on the field are inspired by professional soccer player Guillermo Ochoa of the Mexican National Team. "His ability to remain calm and set the tone for the rest of his team is one that I admire," Martinez shared. "I find myself doing his iconic hand movement that represents a moment of calm and peace as my team and I move through the game."

Martinez's dedication to soccer is reflected in her rigorous schedule. During the off-season, she balances three days of cardio and weight training, two days of soccer practice, one day of competition, and a much-needed rest day. Once the high school season starts, her routine ramps up to include daily practices, early morning gym sessions, and games scattered throughout the week.

Her time playing for Niwot High School taught her a lot about herself, even when things did not go as planned. She spent three years on the junior varsity team with limited playing time, but then everything changed. Unexpectedly her family temporarily relocated to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and she joined South High School's soccer team. There, she became a starting varsity player, a shift that helped her rediscover her confidence. "Playing for Niwot taught me how important it is to have coaches who believe in you," she said.

That confidence boost paid off. By the end of her junior year, she had four college offers from a mix of Division II schools and competitive junior colleges. The first offer was especially surreal for her. "At the start of my junior year, I thought my dream of playing college soccer was over and by the end, my future was filled with opportunity," Martinez shared.

Now a senior, she is back at Niwot High but has chosen not to rejoin the school's soccer program. Instead, she will focus on playing with her club team at Albion Boulder County. "Club soccer has pushed me to adapt quickly to new teams," she explained. That adaptability and her willingness to learn will serve her well as she transitions to the next level of competition.

Behind Martinez's success is a strong support system. She says her family has been with her every step of the way. Her mother, a former collegiate athlete, inspires her to chase her dreams, while her father has been her biggest advocate, making sure she has everything she needs to succeed. Her siblings have also been her loudest cheerleaders, and her friends, particularly Vanessa Gonzalez and her IB classmates, have been a source of constant encouragement.

She is also especially grateful to South High School coach Brandon McHenry, who helped rebuild her confidence. "He was the first coach who really believed in me and helped me grow as a player," she said.

The road to playing college soccer was not easy. Martinez attended countless ID Camps and sent out emails to coaches, but the effort was worth it. During her visit to Casper College in Wyoming, she knew right away it was the right fit. "As soon as I stepped on campus, I fell in love with it," she said. Between the welcoming team, the stunning campus, and Coach Ammon Bennett's supportive approach, everything just felt right.

As she prepares for college, Martinez is most excited about joining a team full of players who share her dedication and love for the game. "I am beyond grateful for this opportunity to be in an environment where I can fly as a collegiate athlete and to have amazing teammates and coaches beside me," she shared.

Martinez's advice for younger players dreaming of playing at the next level is, "Find people who believe in you. Don't waste time in places where you aren't valued. Go where you can grow, and never stop working." Her journey is proof that perseverance and the right environment can make all the difference.

Beyond soccer, Martinez has big dreams. She is set to major in criminal justice at Casper College, with dreams of going to law school and becoming a lawyer. Her determination on the field carries over into her academic and career goals, and she is ready to take on whatever challenges come next.

Martinez hopes her story inspires others who might feel like giving up. "At one point, I thought my dream was over," she said. "But it wasn't."