Texas Wesleyan University Athletic Director Steve Trachier announced today the hiring of Angel Martinez as head women's tennis coach. Martinez, who built a tremendous record at Grapevine High School, is tasked with bringing back a program at Texas Wesleyan that has been inactive since 2002. The Lady Rams will begin play in the 2015-16 season.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have Coach Martinez join our athletic department," Trachier said. "He is one of the most respected high school tennis coaches in the state. He led a storied tennis program at Grapevine High School for many years, and I am positive that he is the right person to start and direct our women's tennis program."

About the Coach

Martinez brings 31 years of coaching experience at the high school level to Texas Wesleyan. At Grapevine High School he built a state powerhouse and nationally respected program. Prior to taking over at Grapevine in 1999, Martinez worked at Cedar Hill High School for 15 years.

"I am extremely excited to be here at Texas Wesleyan," Martinez said. "It was a hard decision because we are ranked number one in the state right now, but I think that shows my commitment to this great opportunity. I believe we can do great things here at Texas Wesleyan."

In his high school coaching career, he built a record of 622-101 with 18 District Championships. He has coached 326 All-District selections, 28 District Players of the Year, and 102 Regional Qualifiers. In 2002-03 he was named Wilson/TTCA 5A Coach of the Year and Fort Worth Star-Telegram Coach of the Year. He was named USPTA Texas High School Coach of the Year in 2005, 2009, and 2013, and was named USTA Starfish National Coach of the Year in 2009.

Martinez is a graduate of UT-Arlington and holds a USPTA Elite Pro Certification.

Texas Wesleyan has a rich history in both men and women's tennis, but the programs were dropped following the 2002 season when the Rams rejoined the NAIA after a brief tenure in the NCAA Division II. The Lady Rams twice sent participants to the NAIA National Tournament in 1979 and 1998.

For more information about Texas Wesleyan Athletics, visit ramsports.net.