Life Lessons Learned: Ian Martinez’s Story Is Filled With Perseverance And Expression

Ian Martinez’s journey to college basketball is a remarkable one unlike any other. And through that incredible journey, Martinez learned valuable life lessons about the importance of persevering and expressing yourself that he employs today to navigate the various ups and downs of college athletics.

At just 15-years-old, Martinez left his home in Heredia, Costa Rica, leaving behind his parents and younger sister, to move to California where he was set to live with his brother and a host family so he could attend Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School and play basketball there. 

Martinez did that for a little, bouncing around host families a couple of times, before ultimately finishing his high school career at JSerra Catholic High School where he was eventually recruited by the University of Utah. When he stepped on the court for the first time with the Utes, Martinez became the first and only Costa Rican basketball player to ever play college basketball in a major conference—a title he still holds to this day. 

“There were a lot of hard times, a lot of sacrifices, but it’s a decision that was definitely worth it in the end,” Martinez said of the move to the US.

With an upbringing dissimilar to most college athletes, let alone regular college students, Martinez has had to get comfortable being different in some ways.

“It can be hard at times because there’s not a lot of people who can relate to my journey, but I’ve learned how to deal with it a little bit better recently. I’ve learned how to express myself and my story better. I also try not to focus on what other people say, whether it’s good or bad.” 

“I don’t really know what it’s like to only worry about school and social things,” Martinez added. “It’s a different mentality for me.”

That distinct mindset has given him a mental edge as he’s ventured through the numerous peaks and valleys of college basketball. 

Last year, in his first season as a Terp after his freshman year at Utah, Martinez missed basically all of the offseason with a torn meniscus and then had to sit out a big chunk of the regular season with a concussion. 

“Not being able to play last year, missing that summer beforehand, that was hell for me,” Martinez said. “I just wanted to get back on the court with the guys. You just have to be patient and wait for it, but it’s really hard.”

Fortunately for Martinez, he was no stranger to pushing through when times were hard. As a result, he was able to draw on his previous lived experiences to find the strength to keep the faith that everything would work out for him.

Just as he had to continue to stay steadfast in his decision to come to the United States even when he had to do things like switch schools and switch host families, he believed he would ultimately come out on the right side of his injury troubles. 

“There were definitely times I didn’t know what was going to happen next with all the injuries,” Martinez said. “There were a lot of times I didn’t feel like myself. But I knew how to respond to something like that. I just can’t overthink anything. It’s about trusting the process, which is something I’ve always done.”

“Sometimes it’s a big load to carry, but you just have to find a way to look at it that sometimes it’s going to be hard no matter what,” he added. “The biggest thing is you just have to find ways to enjoy it, even though there could be some really bad times.” 

It’s those same experiences as a teenager that have helped power Martinez through Maryland’s ups and downs this season. From the 8-0 start, to a string of tough losses, to a ranked win over No. 24 Ohio State, Martinez has prided himself on keeping a level head through it all. 

“I learned how to think about the bigger picture. It’s important to remember that one day isn’t everything. This season for us, whether we win or lose, we have to always remember that we need to come in the next day and get better.”

In addition to having to find ways to respond well to adversity, Martinez’ move away from Costa Rica and being basically alone with the exception of his brother also taught him a valuable lesson about himself. 

“I realized after some time that I had Asperger’s…

My whole journey helped me a lot to learn how to adjust and live with that. I had to learn how to talk to other people because otherwise I would be by myself. When I first moved over here, I could have never imagined I would be sitting down for an interview in English, when I wasn’t even good at expressing myself in my own language. I had to learn how to develop and communicate in both languages and learn how to feel comfortable in those situations.”

Having a language barrier and knowing only one person in a foreign country, Martinez had no choice but to get outside his comfort zone and develop meaningful relationships with the people around him. 

Today, however, Martinez is proud of both his ability to converse with people he doesn’t know and of the close bonds he’s formed with important people in his life, including his teammates. 

“(The time alone in California) was really big not just for general communication, but for communications in my relationships,” Martinez said. “It helped my relationship with my girlfriend, my communication with my parents and being able to talk to my teammates better.”

“Communication with my teammates is obviously really important so it was really important for me to get better at that,” he added. “I wasn’t always great at it in high school, but I’ve just kept working at it and getting more comfortable. I think it’s helped me bond more with them off the court and then also play my role better on the court.”

For him, the ability to do both is a direct result of his time in the United States where he had to find a way by himself as a teenager. 

“It was just kinda recently where I realized how much everything on my journey has helped me deal with that. My past experiences have changed my life and made it better.”

Now in his third year of college basketball and second with the Terps, Martinez has turned himself into an essential part of the Maryland rotation, providing excellent perimeter defense and a unique slashing ability on offense. Martinez has played in 18 games, making two starts, and is averaging 17.2 minutes per game along with 6.1 points. In the Terps’ season-opening win over Niagara, the pesky defender recorded a career-high five steals.

Whether it’s starting or coming off the bench, scoring or locking up on the perimeter, Martinez is eager to help the team in any way he can.

“I just want to win and win,” he said. “Whatever coach needs me to do to make that happen, that’s what I want to do.”

Of course, while Martinez is out there he’s representing much more than just himself—something that he revels in and embraces. 

“It’s big, not only being from Costa Rica but also being a Latino, because sometimes we maybe don’t get as much respect, so we have to come and earn all of it. That’s something I take pride in and work for everyday. I’m always representing myself, representing my country and representing my family as well.”