Jeff Moeller, correspondent

It’s safe to say that Kamryn Martinez hasn’t had any reservations as a four-year starting goalie for Richmond Hill. In fact, the senior captain goalkeeper wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, especially in the nets.

“I’ve always found comfort in my sport,” said Martinez. “My determination and passion for competition has pushed me to train hard and become naturally confident in my position on the field. My role on the team as one of the senior captains is to lead by example, give 110% in everything I do, and to push others around me to be the best they can be.

“I’ve been playing the goalkeeper position for the entirety of my soccer career. I’ve only ever stepped out of the box to play striker in high-school a handful of times.”

Martinez arguably has been the centerpiece of the Wildcats’ undefeated campaign in both the regular season (14-0) and region play (9-0) beginning play this week. She had seven shutouts and has allowed just eight goals this season.

Head coach Shawn Allen hasn’t any doubts in the back end of the field with Martinez in goal.

“She has been our starting goalkeeper and senior captain,” said Allen. “She is a leader on the field. She is also our vocal team leader that motivates other players.”

Martinez began her career at the age of four with Little Kickers of the Richmond Hill Soccer Club. She admittedly struggled at times finding her confidence level until her freshman year.

It was then that Martinez rose to the occasion with 14 shutouts and was an integral part in leading the team to the second of their four consecutive region titles. She recorded 13 shutouts in her sophomore season and had nine last year.

“All of the extra training I started receiving during my freshman year really helped me,” said Martinez. “Getting a starting position on varsity among a lot of older girls also really instilled confidence.”

Since then, Martinez also has worked on her mental part of the game.

“My main focus of work now is my composure throughout the game,” stressed Martinez. “Keeping calm and collected not only helps my teammates stay calm too, but it helps keep my physical and mental gameplay where they need to be as well.”

Martinez will take her game to Dalton State next year and pursue a finance and applied economics degree. It appears to be a good fit.

“I’m looking forward to bringing my talent to Dalton State in the fall and competing at the college level,’ said Martinez. “Dalton State felt like it instantly was the right place for me. It is an opportunity to study at a top-notch business program and compete on a strong soccer program.”

When she isn’t playing soccer, Martinez has maintained a 4.0 grade point average and also has expanded her horizons. She also holds a first-degree black belt in Taekwondo.

One of Martinez’s favorite moments was in the 2025 Coastal All-Stars game, where she won the MVP in the girls group for saving three penalty kicks during a shootout to help her team win the tournament.

“Although soccer plays a huge role in my life I spend my off time training younger players or refereeing on the weekend,” said Martinez. “I love to bake, sing, enjoy being outdoors, and especially playing pickleball.”

With three regular-season games left on her regular schedule, Martinez knows she and her teammates need to maintain their laser focus to stay on track for their fifth regional title and beyond.

“The team being undefeated so far this season is a great accomplishment that we wear with pride,” beamed Martinez. “ If we can keep a consistent, collective effort and a high level of play, I think we could go very far.”