RISING STAR
Born in Tennessee , Martinez spent much of her childhood growing up in Georgia . She had no idea sports field management was an industry , and pursued a degree in biology as an undergrad at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College ( ABAC ) in Tifton , Georgia .
However , when deciding on a specialty , Martinez was unsure of her direction . It was Miranda who steered her toward turfgrass management . Martinez met with the turfgrass program director at ABAC , and a couple weeks later took an internship with the Atlanta Braves ’ Triple-A affiliate — the Gwinnett Stripers — under McClain Murphy .
“ I absolutely loved the exhausting summer , and I could absolutely see myself doing this . So , I started the program in the fall , went through the classes , and ended up interning with Nicole Sherry and the Baltimore Orioles .”
While in Baltimore finishing her internship , Martinez reached out to Justin Scurry and Tim Flanagan at the University of South Carolina about a job .
“ I still had my senior year of school and had to go back to finish my degree , but I went out on a limb ,” said Martinez . “ I emailed my department head on why he should let me do my last year of school away from campus , and he actually went for it . I spent my last year working at the University of South Carolina on top of continuing school .
“ Justin Scurry and Tim Flanagan took a big risk in hiring me ,” said Martinez . “ We had never met before . But when I got there it was , ‘ We are going to teach you . What do you want to know ? What ’ s the best way to teach you ?’ They are brilliant managers , and the fact that they took me under their wings is one of the defining moments of my career .”
While at the University of South Carolina , Josh McPherson , director of stadium grounds for CityPark , asked Martinez to come work in St . Louis . Now , as associate director of stadium grounds , Martinez helps maintain the
stadium pitch and the practice fields , and is in charge of all data collection and field testing .
2023 was the first full season for CityPark . “ I started July of 2022 ,” said Martinez . “ Like any new field , you are going to have your quirks . But it has been a pretty smooth ride .”
It has been a busy and exciting year for Martinez . Newly married as of October of 2022 , Martinez and her wife have two dogs together — Chief and Wag .
“ My wife is a wildlife biologist , so we spend pretty much all our time outside ,” said Martinez . “ You will never go on a hike more detailed than if you go on one with a wildlife biologist . We went to Peru this year on a hiking trip , and we spent several days hiking the Incan trail . It was an incredible experience .”
Martinez also recently started graduate school through the University of Tennessee , pursuing her master ’ s degree in Agricultural Leadership , Education and Communication .
“ Moving to St . Louis , buying a house , getting married , starting a new job in a new sport in a new facility … it ’ s easy to get caught up in the day to day ,” said Martinez , who appreciates the Rising Star Award , but especially the recognition of her peers .
“ For people to see things that I struggle to see myself is kind of mind blowing ,” she said . “ It ’ s hard to think those things about yourself . Then to have people in an industry I love so dearly see how much I love it and acknowledge those things …
“ I try to be a kind person . I try to be caring , and put others above me . But I don ’ t do it for the sake of someone seeing it . I do it for the betterment of someone else . You do those things because it ’ s the right way to be . I think it ’ s incredible that other people have noticed the way I try to be in my everyday life .” SFM
— Article written by John Kmitta , associate publisher and editorial brand director
WHAT THEIR NOMINATOR HAD TO SAY :
“ Maritza is the definition of a Rising Star , and anybody who knows her will tell you the same . She is a young woman with already so much knowledge and wisdom . She is the least selfish person I have ever met , and she wants so much for other people that she is willing to put their needs before hers . She will do big things for this industry , and , more importantly , for the world .” sportsfieldmanagementonline . com October 2023 | SportsField Management
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