Student Spotlight: Katianna Martinez
Class of 2029
Major:
Health Sciences (Pre-Physical Therapy)
Hometown:
San Jose, Calif.
Where are you from and what brought you to Marymount?
I am from the Bay Area, more specifically San Jose, Calif. I have been wrestling since fifth grade and always knew I wanted to continue doing it in college. Women’s wrestling is still growing, and I knew that if I wanted to compete at the next level, I would likely have to leave California.
I had been in contact with Marymount’s coaching staff for a while through national tournaments, and when I finally came to campus for a prospect camp, I just fell in love with it. I loved the environment, the area and the people. On top of that, Marymount’s pre-physical therapy track really stood out to me. What made the biggest difference, though, was feeling wanted. Of all the schools I applied to, Marymount was the one that consistently reached out and showed genuine interest in me—not just as an athlete, but as a person. That meant a lot. It made my decision feel right.
What has your first year at Marymount been like so far?
It’s been incredibly rewarding. I’ve grown a lot academically—compared to high school, I actually enjoy going to class as I really value my professors and what I’m learning. I’ve also changed a lot more socially. I used to be more of a homebody—I would go to practice and then just keep to myself. But Marymount has helped me open up. I’ve made friends not just on the wrestling team but across campus, from other sports and even outside athletics. It’s helped me feel more like myself and more confident in who I am.
What has your experience been like in the Wrestling program?
It’s been incredible. I was named a freshman team captain this year, which was a huge honor and something I didn’t expect. What stands out most is how my coaches and teammates have helped build my confidence. They constantly remind me that I’m capable, and that mindset changed how I compete.
My first college tournament was the Princeton Open, and I came in unseeded. No one expected much from me, but I ended up winning the whole tournament and beating the number one seed in the finals. That moment showed me what I’m capable of. This program has pushed me to be better—not just physically, but mentally. I’ve never felt more confident in myself as an athlete.
What were some highlights and challenges from your season?
I went undefeated in most of my tournaments, won two tournaments overall and qualified for nationals. Competing at that level as a freshman meant a lot to me.
At the same time, I had a couple of injuries—including getting knocked out of one tournament, which was tough physically and mentally. I recently qualified for the first-ever NCAA Women’s Wrestling Championship, but I had a skin issue at the last minute that kept me from competing. That was the hardest moment of my season. I had worked so hard to get there, and not being able to compete was heartbreaking. But it also motivated me to come back stronger next season.
Seeing the first NCAA Women’s Wrestling Championship, especially knowing the history behind it, was emotional. Women in this sport have fought for years to be taken seriously, have opportunities and even be allowed in wrestling rooms. I saw coaches and mentors from back home who were some of the first women to wrestle at a high level, and they were crying. It really puts things into perspective—how far the sport has come and how much it’s growing. By the end of the tournament, I wasn’t focused on what I missed. I was grateful to be part of something historic, and it made me even more determined to come back and make my mark.
What are your goals for the next three years at Marymount?
As an athlete, I want to keep improving every day. Winning is great, but growth is what motivates me the most. I’ve already set big goals for myself—I want to become a regional champion, an NCAA champion and earn All-American honors. Long term, I also want to compete at the highest level by making a world team and hopefully an Olympic team one day. I know those are big goals, but I believe in aiming high.
As a student, I want to continue improving academically. I want to push myself to succeed in the classroom and take full advantage of opportunities like internships and clinical experiences in physical therapy or sports medicine.
How has Marymount shaped your goals beyond athletics?
Marymount has helped me see that I’m more than just an athlete. It’s given me the space to grow academically and personally. I’m really excited about the opportunities in the health sciences field, especially getting hands-on experience through internships and clinics. I want to work in sports medicine because I’ve been injured before, and I know how hard that process is. I want to help other athletes recover and keep doing what they love.
What advice would you give incoming students and girls considering wrestling?
Learn how to manage your time, that’s the biggest thing. Balancing academics, athletics and a social life is not easy. It takes effort and discipline. But if you can figure out how to manage your time, it makes everything more manageable. Also, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Make friends, try new things and take advantage of opportunities. Those experiences are what make college meaningful.
For those considering wrestling, just try it. Wrestling isn’t easy—it’s one of the toughest sports out there, but it teaches you so much about discipline, resilience, and yourself. I didn’t even want to wrestle at first. But once I gave it a chance, I fell in love with it. You never know what you’re capable of until you try. So, step out of your comfort zone and see what you can learn.
