Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook head women’s soccer coach Brendan Faherty announced the hiring of Sarah Martinez on Wednesday, his first staff appointment as head coach.

"I am very excited to have Sarah join me at Stony Brook," Faherty commented. "I've been fortunate to work alongside her the past three years and have seen firsthand her work ethic and commitment to excellence. Most of all, it's her passion for soccer that makes her a great fit for Stony Brook women's soccer."

"As a player, Sarah was a prolific attacker and she brings that same mentality as a coach. She will spend a lot of time with our attacking players and I have no doubt she will get the best out of them."

Martinez played at the University of Washington, where she led the Huskies to three NCAA Tournament appearances and was named team captain and Offensive Team MVP in her junior and senior seasons. She was named to the All-Pac 12 second team as a senior and won the University of Washington Athletic Department’s Most Inspirational Female Athlete Award twice.

"I am so grateful to Brendan Faherty for the opportunity to join him at Stony Brook," Martinez said. "I know and respect Brendan from our time together at the University of Washington, and look forward to learning from him and helping contribute to the success of the Stony Brook women's soccer program. The goals and values he is bringing to Stony Brook align directly with mine and I couldn't be more excited to get on campus!"

"I am forever thankful for the opportunity I had as a student-athlete and member of the athletics' staff at Washington with people I admire and respect. After spending the last eight years as a Husky, UW will always hold a special place in my heart, but I’m eager to get started with the Seawolves."

After her playing career, Martinez joined Faherty on the Huskies’ coaching staff, serving as the Director of Soccer Operations for the men’s and women’s programs for four seasons.

In addition to her work with the Huskies’ program, Martinez also served as a head coach for the Seattle United Soccer Club Girls U15 and U17 teams and was a co-founder of the Extra Time College ID Showcase Camp.