Nerio Martinez Joins Cougars’ 2021 Soccer Roster

Katherine Nerio Martinez is the most recent recruit to commit to the Cougars’ women’s soccer team for 2021. She watched a close family friend, Cougars alumni Tatiana Lopez Beltran play for the Cougars in 2018 and knew she wanted to be a part the Cougars’.

Originally from Santa Tecla, El Salvador, Martinez’ father moved to Brandon in 2006 and was joined by Katherine and the rest of the family in 2015. Martinez attends Vincent Massey High School where she played soccer in the spring with the Vikings. She continued to hone her skills all year round, playing futsal with the women’s senior league in the winter and the Cyclones Senior Women’s Soccer Team in the summer. She is a feisty 5’3 striker on the field and won the Female Athlete of the Year award at her elementary school, New Era.

“I am competitive and am always trying to give my best,” said Martinez. “I grew up watching and playing soccer. It’s a part of me, it runs in my blood and in my family.”

Cougars’ Co-Coaches Gerry Rocan and Kate Broadhead are looking forward to delivering a stronger offensive and competitive team this coming season.

“Katherine will strengthen our midfield and offence,” said Co-Coach Gerry Rocan. “She’s been following our program for a few years and we are excited to welcome her onto the team.”

“She’s a definite threat in the offensive zone,” said Co-Coach Kate Broadhead. “She is quick to read a scoring opportunity and will take every chance she gets to shoot or set up a fellow teammate.”

Martinez has volunteered with heritage days and youth revolution. She also won an academic award for Most Improved English. She will be taking the college’s Comprehensive Health Care Aide program in the fall.