James Martin was a standout and versatile player for the men’s soccer team from 1997-2000. During his stellar career, he led Behrend to its first-ever AMCC Championships in 1997 and ECAC Tournament appearance in 2000. A three-time All-Region choice, two-time All-AMCC first-team pick, he went on to earn AMCC Most Valuable Player as a junior and was named an All-American his senior year.
After reaching Behrend from Denver, Colorado, Martin assumed a starting position up top and then transitioned into a defensive role his freshman year. His dominance in the back field led the Lions to their first-ever AMCC Championship in 1997, the first of two in Martin’s career.
During the 1998 season, Martin grabbed postseason accolades
being named to the All-AMCC first team and All-New York Region
team. He tallied four goals and two assists this season, while
helping the team set a school record for most wins with 13 and
finish second in the conference tournament.
In 1999, Martin continued to rise above the rest and earned
AMCC Co-Most Valuable Player honors as well as the team’s MVP
award after guiding the Lions to its second Conference Championship
in three years. He capped the season with being named to
All-Mid-Atlantic Region team.
By the time his senior year rolled around, Martin had established himself as a staple to the men’s soccer program. With a 12-7-2, the Lions finished runners-up in the league and earned their first-ever ECAC Tournament bid. Martin contributed seven goals and four assists to end his career 18 goals and nine assists. Once again, he was selected by his teammates as MVP and repeated on the All-Region and All-AMCC first team before earning All-American status.