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Howard College Hawks Welcome Kirsten Martinez as New Assistant Softball Coach

Howard College Athletics is thrilled to announce the addition of Kirsten Martinez as the new assistant softball coach for the Howard Hawks. A former standout player for the Hawks, Martinez brings with her a wealth of experience and a passion for the game that has been evident throughout her career.

Martinez was a stand out player coming from Dinuba High School in Dinuba, California before her first stop at Howard College where she would play for coach Kelly Raines. In her two seasons with the Hawks, including the COVID-shortened 2020 season, she contributed to an impressive 54-8 record (.871). Martinez earned All-Conference and All-Region V West Team honors in 2021, boasting a 19-4 record with a 2.82 ERA and 109 strikeouts. That same year, she helped lead Howard to a Conference Championship and a NJCAA Region V Runner-Up finish. Her academic achievements were equally notable, as she earned a place on the Dean’s List and completed her Associate of Arts in Health and Physical Education.

Martinez went on to further her education and softball career at Cal State University, Bakersfield. Despite a slow sophomore year, she made a significant impact in her junior season, appearing in 26 games and starting 9 in the circle. She placed second on the team in several key statistical categories, throwing 82.1 innings with a 6.72 ERA, and recording 5 complete games. Her senior year saw even greater success, with Martinez leading the team in strikeouts (20), appearances (35), starts (16), innings pitched (92.1), and saves (2). She achieved national recognition for her saves throughout the season and had standout performances, including a complete game against Cal Poly in which she allowed just six hits in seven innings.

Martinez will graduate in December 2024 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology. Howard College is excited to welcome back such a talented and driven individual to the program, and we look forward to seeing her leadership and expertise benefit the Hawks on and off the field. We are confident the second time around will be just as successful as the first.