By Isaac Cox, May 6, 2025
Track-and-field has become a pathway to success for many student-athletes, including Cal Poly Pomona’s own Vivian Martinez.
Martinez currently holds records in multiple events, such as the indoor mile, the 3,000-meter and the outdoor 4×800 relay race that has stood since 1992.
Martinez also became the California Collegiate Athletic Association Women’s Track Athlete of the Week when she placed second in the 1,500-meter race at the Pomona-Pitzer Track & Field Invite April 15.
“It’s just so surreal, and I’m finally being seen for who I am,” Martinez said. “I’m excited to see what else I can do because I feel like I still have a lot more to give and show everyone the things that I have.”
CPP pole vaulter Isabelle Carreon gave insight into Martinez’s personality and leadership.
“She’s been a great leader for everybody on the team,” Carreon said. “ Vivian is extremely humble, and I think it’s really awesome to see. She’s just a phenomenal athlete, and to see all the hard work that she puts in and to remain humble as she is, it’s really inspiring to all of her teammates.”
Martinez not only shows grit and determination on the field, but she is also a vocal leader to her teammates and everyone around her, according to her teammates. She still has more to show and give as the season winds down. She wants to qualify for nationals for the 15K and 5K races.
Growing up, Martinez participated in many different sports. She started off with cheer, dance, volleyball, basketball, cross-country and then flag football. She said each sport shaped her for who she is today, not only as a human being but also on the track field.
One of the most challenging parts in Martinez’s life was bouncing between four different high schools, trying to find the right fit for her and her siblings, and her mom wanted them to get an education outside of South Central Los Angeles.
In the process of finally settling there, Martinez met Julia Butler, a current distance runner on the women’s track-and-field team. Butler said Martinez has been an important part of her life — since their time together in high school to now at CPP.
“I’ve been lucky enough to actually have Vivian as a teammate for more than our college experience,” Butler said. “We went to the same high school for a bit of time, so I’ve got to really get to know her over the years, and she’s always been such a driving force on our team.”
As a highly motivated student-athlete, Martinez said her family keeps her focused through the ups and downs.
Martinez said her family and close friends told her if she sticks with her plans, it will help her family in the long term.
“My family plays a huge part,” Martinez said. “They may not know it, but they play a huge part, and they are the reason why I continue to do what I do.”
Throughout her journey, Martinez has had both good and bad days, but she enjoys running at CPP and having her teammates and coaches alongside her.
Heptathlon and hurdles track-and-field athlete Neshara Smith set the tone for Martinez, closing out with a message to her for the rest of the season and beyond.
“Continue to lead with the confidence that you have because it’s getting you to amazing places, amazing heights and faster times,” Smith said. “Continue being the leader and the person you are because you are very inspiring, and never change for anybody.”
Feature image courtesy of CPP Athletics
