Jones and Martinez heading to play college soccer

The Dayton Broncos soccer program is sending two more players off to college ranks thanks to their academics in the classroom and their athletics on the soccer field.

Senior graduates Thomas Jones and Bryan Martinez will each be heading their separate ways for the future.

Jones will be heading for Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia. The Bison compete in Division III sports and participate in the Presidents Athletic Conference. Jones leaves the Broncos as the all-time saves leader at goalie.

In a game against Friendswood in 2021, Jones finished with 18 saves.

“Thomas is a tough kid with a blue-collar mentality that has helped him get to where he is today,” said Dayton Head Coach Jed Garner. “I’m glad soccer opened up this avenue for him to pursue an education.”

For Martinez, the journey will be as far as he heads for Paul Quinn College in Dallas.

The Tigers are a member of the NAIA Division and participate in the Red River Athletic Conference and the USCAA Division I.

“Bryan has immense talent, and I expect big things from him. He is one of the most talented players I’ve ever coached,” said Garner. Martinez was Newcomer of the Year in 2019 and the first-team all-district in 2020.