El Paso native Ramon Martinez will join UTEP soccer staff as an assistant coach, announced head coach Kevin Cross on Tuesday.

"I am very excited to add Ramon Martinez to the staff," said Cross. "I feel he will compliment our staff really well. He has been the top women's club and high school coach in El Paso for many years and has worked very hard and deserves this opportunity. You will not find a more honest, hard working or loyal person."

Martinez comes to UTEP after serving as the varsity head coach at Loretto Academy for the past four years. He was also a teacher at St. Raphael School since 1996.

With over 15 years of coaching experience, Martinez has acted as the coach for the El Paso Senior Showcase since 2002, while also running camps at El Paso Community College and for the El Paso Eagles.

Martinez coached the El Paso Eagles from 1991-2003, leading his 1995 team to the Division II state title.

As a player, he helped the UTEP club team to the national tournament as team captain in 1991. He then played professionally for the El Paso Patriots from 1991-95, starting at the left fullback position. Martinez was picked for the United States Interregional Soccer League All-Star Team in 1992.

Martinez prepped at Ysleta H.S. before moving on to UTEP, where he graduated with a degree in kinesiology and a minor in education in 1995.

Martinez and his wife, Mercedes, are expecting their first child this fall.