Aug. 9, 2004

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Alma Martinez, a forward for the UCSB women's soccer team during the 2002 and 2003 seasons, has been selected as a member of Mexico's Olympic Team.
Martinez, who had eight goals and six assists in her two campaigns with the Gauchos, played with the Mexican team during Olympic Qualifying in the spring. Her selection was made in late July.
"This is a great opportunity for Alma to experience soccer at its highest level," said UCSB head coach Paul Stumpf. "Just as importantly though, it is a chance for her to have an incredible life experience. I am very excited for her." Martinez becomes the second former Gaucho to compete for Mexico at the international level. Laurie Hill, a midfielder, played for the Mexican team at the World Cup in 1999.
In her two seasons at UCSB, Martinez scored eight goals and had six assists. Last season, after notching four goals and three assists for 11 points, she was selected Second Team All-Big West. Mexico will open its Olympic schedule on Saturday, August 14 when it takes on China.