MattMartinez
- title Recruiting Coordinator
- email ukswimming@uky.edu
Martinez joined Kentucky in May 2025.
“Matt brings such positive energy to our deck and our team’s culture. He is a relationship builder who is passionate about recruiting and his partnerships with the student-athletes,” Lundgaard said.
Martinez brings years of coaching success with some of the best swimming programs in the country, by way of the University of Wisconsin most recently. Martinez served as an assistant coach and the primary recruiting coordinator since 2022.
At Wisconsin, Martinez with mid-distance swimmers and breaststrokers. He assisted the charge to help their men’s team to finish 22nd at the 2025 NCAA Men’s Swimming and Diving National Championship and the women’s team to end up 12th at the 2025 NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving National Championship. This was the women’s best program finish since 2011, also achieving four All-Americans on the year.
Martinez also brings additional experience in his role as a volunteer assistant coach for the 2022 NCAA Men’s Swimming and Diving National Championship program, the Cal Berkley Golden Bears. During this time, he directly reported to head coach and 2021 USA Olympic Head Coach Dave Durden.
He has had brief stints working for the Warringah Aquatic Swim Club in Australia, assisting the Olympic and senior level athletes on team and at Binghamton University as well.
“Matt has a valuable background contributing to teams that have experienced the pinnacle of NCAA and Olympic excellence, and I have no doubt that he will be impactful in UK’s climb to those standards,” Lundgaard said. “We welcome Matt and Sara to BBN and can’t wait to get to work!”
“I’m incredibly honored to join the University of Kentucky Swim & Dive Program and excited to work alongside Coach Bret Lundgaard and the outstanding staff here.” Martinez said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a respected program and help our student-athletes reach their full potential. I want to sincerely thank everyone at the University of Wisconsin – especially Yuri, Kristy, Jennah, Cauli, and Yahya. My family is looking forward to this next chapter in Lexington and the challenges and growth it will bring. Go Cats!!”