EDINBURG, Texas – The University of Texas-Pan American Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Wednesday the addition of former-PSJA North standout Jiovanna Martinez to the men's and women's track & field programs as a graduate assistant coach.
 
Martinez will work directly with the discus, shot put, hammer, indoor weight and javelin throwers.
 
While a senior at PSJA North in 2006, Martinez became the first female discus thrower from the Rio Grande Valley to earn first place honors at the Texas Relays. A four-time 31-5A champion in the discus throw, Martinez earned a silver medal in the Class 5A state meet her senior year after earning a bronze medal as a junior.
 
“We're excited to have Jiovanna on staff. The throwers are excited as well to have someone that's moved in immediately. She was a great competitor at Texas State. She knows her stuff,” interim head coach Xavier Richardson said.
 
Martinez comes to the Broncs after spending five years on the Texas State University track & field team as a discus, hammer, weight and shot put thrower. Several of her career highlights include qualifying for USATF Junior National Championships in 2007, as well as gaining NCAA Outdoor Regional Championships qualifying marks in the discus in 2007, 2009 and 2011. Martinez was also a member of the Dean's List for four years.
 
Martinez earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (Dietetics) in 2010 and is currently pursing a Master's in Kinesiology at UTPA.
 
“I'm really excited to come back home. There's so much talent here. I am honored to be here to help the student-athletes succeed and achieve their goals. These athletes are really ready to work hard,” Martinez said.
 
The Broncs open the indoor season on Friday and Saturday at the Texas Tech Invitational.
 
The University of Texas-Pan American Department of Intercollegiate Athletics competes at the NCAA Division I classification. UTPA, formerly known as Pan American College and Pan American University, is a part of the University of Texas System of Schools. The Broncs compete in 14 varsity sports; men's and women's basketball, golf, tennis, track and field, and cross country, along with women's volleyball and men's baseball. In 1963, then known as Pan American College, the Broncs men's basketball program won the NAIA National Championship with a 73-62 victory over Western Carolina. In 2008, UTPA joined the new all-sports division of the Great West Conference.