Joyce Martinez Gutierrez is all about dedication on and off the tennis court. The junior co-captain has won at every level she has played and is continuing those ways at Sacramento State.

When Martinez enrolled in college in 2006, it was her first time living in the U.S. after being born and raised in Mexico.

“It took me probably three weeks to adapt,” Martinez said.

As a successful tennis star in Mexico, Martinez played alone and only relied on herself to win. When she arrived at Sac State she became part of a team and had to make adjustments.

“It took me a while to adapt to a team because I was used to playing individually,” Martinez said. “On the court you’re by yourself, but in the end you’re part of a team.”

Director of Tennis Bill Campbell named Martinez as a co-captain because he likes her enthusiasm and competitiveness.

Choosing captains is important because those players become the voice of the team. Captains also must lead by example and earn the respect of the players so they can be open with them.

As one of the older players on the team, Martinez has experienced a lot of different situations and been subject to the wisdom of past captains.

“She really exhibits a lot of leadership skills, a lot of it by example. She works hard at practice,” Campbell said.

Martinez was scouted by Campbell and recruited after she performed admirably in international tournaments.

She earned second place at a tournament in France and was also ranked as high as No. 2 in Mexico as a singles player.

All this success led to a lot of attention from colleges and Martinez set a goal long ago that she would enroll in college when she turned 18.

“I was planning to go to University of Washington or Fresno State but I had a talk with Bill and the way he talked about me and Sac State made me want to go here,” Martinez said.

Campbell said as a player, Martinez is well-rounded and has great lateral movement across the court. Her competitiveness is a valuable component to the team.

Playing in singles and doubles this season has really benefited Martinez and the team because she has performed well in both aspects.

“She exemplifies the term ‘refuse to lose.’ I’ve never in three years seen her quit, not even on a single point. She’ll fight you to the end,” Campbell said.

Martinez is seeking a career in tennis after college as a coach. She wants to work with children and is majoring in organizational communications.

She picked her major so she can learn to network and develop the skills necessary to conduct the business necessary to be a coach.

She works at tennis camps during the summer and enjoys teaching children about tennis.

“She works in our Hornet tennis camp in the summer and the kids just absolutely love her. We run another camp at our indoor courts where most of the kids that come are very underprivileged. Joyce works that camp and the little kids love her and idolize her,” Campbell said.

Martinez seems to be liked anywhere she goes, as she was selected by the National Collegiate Athletic Association last year as one of 300 athletes from all college sports to attend a leadership camp.

At the Hornets matches she is usually gearing up the team once she has finished and the last match or two are winding down.

Campbell noticed that she always cheers on every teammate playing and does not wander to the closer or more exciting matches like spectators would.

He likes her dedication toward building team spirit and representation as the “heart of the team.”

“I would like to end up top 30 and that’s our team goal,” Martinez said.

Recently, the then-No. 59 Hornets beat No. 39-ranked Arizona 5-1. Martinez won her match 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Beating a team ranked 20 spots higher is quite an accomplishment and Campbell believes his team can definitely reach a top-30 ranking.

“Quite honestly, she’s won a lot of really tough matches. I’ve not once seen her come out here without a positive attitude – not once in three years,” Campbell said.

Martinez has definitely met Campbell’s expectations he had when he recruited her. She has become the verbal leader of the team and has influenced a squad that has no seniors this season.

Outside of tennis, Martinez enjoys writing poetry and attending musicals.

Cameron Ross can be reached at [email protected]