ORLANDO, Fla. (June 24, 2024) — The Orlando Pride and defender Brianna Martinez have agreed to a new contract that will keep the defender in Orlando through the 2025 season, it was announced today. Martinez was originally selected 17th overall in the 2023 NWSL Draft by Racing Louisville FC before joining the Pride during the 2023 preseason as a non-roster invitee.
“We’re excited to keep Bri in Orlando through next season. She invested in herself in the offseason and has demonstrated she can step up and perform when called upon. She’s been a reliable contributor at every opportunity presented to her,” VP of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter said. “Since joining us in 2023, she’s provided a spark when coming off the bench and has excelled when it’s been her time to start in the backline. She’s enthusiastic to play any role asked of her, competes every day in training, and challenges those around her to do the same. She’s earned this new contract with her commitment to growth and her consistent performances day-in and day-out, and we’re thankful she wants to continue building with us.”
“I am beyond thrilled to be staying in Orlando! I have already learned so much from my coaches and teammates, and I cannot wait to continue to grow as a player with such an amazing team,” Martinez said. “This is such a special environment and I’m so excited to continue to be a part of it. Vamos Pride!”
Martinez first signed with the Pride prior to the 2023 season and has appeared in 23 matches across all competitions for the Club. So far in the 2024 season, Martinez has played in 12 matches, starting in eight of them and helping the back line earn four clean sheets. She made her professional debut on April 23, 2023, coming on as a substitute against the Kansas City Current and playing six minutes.
The Albuquerque, New Mexico native played collegiately at the University of Notre Dame, captaining the Fighting Irish in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Through the 2022 campaign, Martinez logged 1,476 minutes and finished her college career with two goals and four assists. She was later selected for the U.S. U-23 National Team for the 2022 Thorns Preseason Tournament.
TRANSACTION: Orlando Pride signs defender Brianna Martinez to a new two-year contract through the 2025 season.
