Chris Martinez

Co- Founder

Background & Experience

Chris Martinez is a seasoned soccer coach and former Major League Soccer (MLS) defender whose passion for player development spans over two decades. As a co-founder of iATAC Soccer Academy, Chris combines elite on-field experience with cutting-edge digital training to help athletes of all ages reach their full potential. Whether you’re a budding youth player or an established professional, Chris Martinez soccer coach brings unparalleled insight into both the technical and mental aspects of the game.

  • Houston Dynamo Football Club (MLS) – Assistant Coach (2022)
  • Sporting Kansas City II (USL Championship) – Assistant Coach (2018-2021)
  • United States U17 Boys Youth National Team– Assistant Coach (Nike International Friendlies) – (2019)
  • Colorado Rapids Development Academy – Development Academy Program Director (2016-2017)
    • Oversaw day-to-day operations of the Colorado Rapids Development Academy
    • Head Coach for U18/19 and Assistant Coach for U17/18 US Soccer Development Academy teams
    • Led U18/19 team to a fourth-place overall finish, achieving a #4 national ranking
  • United States U15 Boys Youth National Team– Assistant Coach (2016)
  • Colorado Rapids U23 Team (PDL) – Head Coach (2017)
  • REAL Colorado Soccer Club – Director of Player Development (2012-2016)
    • Provided technical and position-specific training for Development Academy and ECNL teams
    • Head Coach for U15/16 US Soccer Development Academy team, leading them to a #3 national ranking in 2015-16
    • 2014-15 US Soccer Development Academy U15/16 Central Conference Coach of the Year
    • Assistant Coach for U17/18 REAL Colorado US Soccer Development Academy Team
    • Liaison for the US Soccer Market Training Centers
  • Colorado Rapids (MLS) – 1997-2001
    • 2001 Colorado Rapids Defender of the Year
    • Started over 100 games (121 total appearances)
  • Colorado Foxes (APSL) – 1993-1997
    • Team Captain (1996, 1997)
    • 1994 APSL Finalists
    • 1993 APSL Champions
  • Wichita Wings (NPSL) – 1994-1996
      • 1994 NPSL All-Rookie Team
      • 1994 Wichita Wings Iron Man of the Year
  • Clemson University- 1989-1992
  • Started 76 out of 82 career games
  • NCAA Tournament 1991, 1992
  • ACC Champions 1990
  • Team Captain 1991, 1992
  • Clemson University- B.S. in Management
  • Co-Founder: iATAC Soccer Academy (2025)
  • Co-Founder: Footability LLC (2003-2018).
    • Specialize in camps, clinics, individual, small-group and team training.
    • Provide the tools necessary to become “difference-makers” on the soccer field.
  • Inducted into the Colorado Soccer Hall of Fame (2020)
  • United States Soccer Federation “A” License Holder (2019)
  • Inducted into the Ponderosa High School Hall of Fame (2017)
  • United States Soccer Federation “B” License Holder (2015)
  • US Olympic Festival Gold Medalist (1989)

With Michael and Chris at the helm, iATAC stands as a pioneering force in soccer development, offering unparalleled guidance, digital training, and mentorship to aspiring athletes across the United States.

  • Houston Dynamo Football Club (MLS) – Assistant Coach (2022)
  • Sporting Kansas City II (USL Championship) – Assistant Coach (2018-2021)
  • United States U17 Boys Youth National Team– Assistant Coach (Nike International Friendlies) – (2019)
  • Colorado Rapids Development Academy – Development Academy Program Director (2016-2017)
    • Oversaw day-to-day operations of the Colorado Rapids Development Academy
    • Head Coach for U18/19 and Assistant Coach for U17/18 US Soccer Development Academy teams
    • Led U18/19 team to a fourth-place overall finish, achieving a #4 national ranking
  • United States U15 Boys Youth National Team– Assistant Coach (2016)
  • Colorado Rapids U23 Team (PDL) – Head Coach (2017)
  • REAL Colorado Soccer Club – Director of Player Development (2012-2016)
    • Provided technical and position-specific training for Development Academy and ECNL teams
    • Head Coach for U15/16 US Soccer Development Academy team, leading them to a #3 national ranking in 2015-16
    • 2014-15 US Soccer Development Academy U15/16 Central Conference Coach of the Year
    • Assistant Coach for U17/18 REAL Colorado US Soccer Development Academy Team
    • Liaison for the US Soccer Market Training Centers
  • Colorado Rapids (MLS) – 1997-2001
    • 2001 Colorado Rapids Defender of the Year
    • Started over 100 games (121 total appearances)
  • Colorado Foxes (APSL) – 1993-1997
    • Team Captain (1996, 1997)
    • 1994 APSL Finalists
    • 1993 APSL Champions
  • Wichita Wings (NPSL) – 1994-1996
      • 1994 NPSL All-Rookie Team
      • 1994 Wichita Wings Iron Man of the Year
  • Clemson University- 1989-1992
  • Started 76 out of 82 career games
  • NCAA Tournament 1991, 1992
  • ACC Champions 1990
  • Team Captain 1991, 1992
  • Clemson University- B.S. in Management
  • Co-Founder: iATAC Soccer Academy (2025)
  • Co-Founder: Footability LLC (2003-2018).
    • Specialize in camps, clinics, individual, small-group and team training.
    • Provide the tools necessary to become “difference-makers” on the soccer field.
  • Inducted into the Colorado Soccer Hall of Fame (2020)
  • United States Soccer Federation “A” License Holder (2019)
  • Inducted into the Ponderosa High School Hall of Fame (2017)
  • United States Soccer Federation “B” License Holder (2015)
  • US Olympic Festival Gold Medalist (1989)

With Michael and Chris at the helm, iATAC stands as a pioneering force in soccer development, offering unparalleled guidance, digital training, and mentorship to aspiring athletes across the United States.

Graham Smith- Charleston Battery- USL

“Having played for Chris Martinez at both the youth and professional level, I can confidently say there are very few coaches with the soccer understanding, ability to communicate concepts/themes of play, and relate to players as well as Marti. As a result of his extensive soccer knowledge gained both as a coach and player, Marti is excellent at identifying what aspects of a player’s game need improvement, creating a plan to work on those areas, and executing on implementing those improvements. Regardless of skill-level, you will be a better player as a result of working with Chris Martinez.”

TEAMS PLAYED FOR: Charleston Battery, Memphis 901 FC, Sporting Kansas City, University of Denver, Real Colorado.

Ian Smith- Portland Timbers – MLS

“Coach Mike Wright had an immense impact on my soccer career. I started playing at three, and by five, I was lucky to be on his team. For the next seven years, he shaped my development, teaching me the fundamentals—juggling, dribbling, passing, and first touch—while instilling the techniques needed to succeed at the highest level. His mentorship gave me direction when I didn’t know my next step, and he remains one of the greatest coaches I’ve ever had. His influence helped me become the player I am today.”

TEAMS PLAYED FOR: Portland Timbers, University of Denver, Real Colorado.

Julia Lambert- JBU NAIA Player

“Coach Mike saw my potential from the beginning and believed in me, even when I struggled to see it myself. He didn’t just coach me—he invested in me as a player and person. He taught me a new position where I could thrive, helping me make an impact on the field. More than improving my skills, he gave me the confidence to push past my limits. His belief in me extended beyond high school, seeing my future at the collegiate level long before I did. I’m incredibly grateful for his guidance and trust, which shaped me both as an athlete and as a person.”

Griffin Dorsey- Houston Dynamo- MLS

“Marti has been a huge influence in my career. I first worked with him at Colorado Rapids PDL during my freshman year at Indiana University, where he introduced me to the differences between college and professional soccer. His lessons on professionalism, consistency, and growth had a massive impact before, during, and after getting drafted in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. Years later, our paths crossed again at Houston Dynamo FC, where he reinforced those lessons while refining key details in my game. His influence helped me transition from an attacking winger to an attacking outside back—an adjustment that would have been much harder without his guidance. Thank you, Marti.”

TEAMS PLAYED FOR: Houston Dynamo, Toronto FC, Indiana University, US U20 & U18 National Teams, Colorado Rush SC.

Brianna Johnson- Former College Player

“Coach Mike Wright saw potential in me that I didn’t see in myself. He gave me the confidence to be more effective in front of goal, teaching me how to get a shot off under pressure, position myself inside the box, and attack defenders with pace. His training outside of team practices helped refine my technical skills, setting me apart from others. His advocacy played a key role in my recruitment, leading to a successful collegiate career. Thanks to his coaching, I became a more confident and impactful player.”

Sam Vines- Colorado Rapids- MLS

“Marti was a fantastic coach and mentor, helping me grow both on and off the field. He truly understands players, building their confidence and guiding them toward their goals. His influence shaped my development, and I wouldn’t be the player or person I am today without his coaching. I’m grateful for the time I had with him and the impact he had on my journey.”

TEAMS PLAYED FOR: Colorado Rapids, Royal Antwerp, USMNT, US U23 NT, US U14 – U18 YNT, Colorado Rapids Academy.

Dr. Chris Cote- Parent of Academy / Collegiate / US National Team Camp Soccer Player

“Mike Wright is more than just a coach—he’s a thought leader in soccer, constantly identifying strengths in players and helping them reach their fullest potential. He has coached all of our children, including our son, who played Division I college soccer, guiding them with encouragement and development. His ability to recognize talent and create opportunities for growth is unmatched. Now, with his new program, he’s building a platform that will elevate both players and the game itself.”

Amadou Dia- Louisville City FC- USL

“Since I was four, my dream was to become a professional soccer player, and I was fortunate to achieve it—but not alone. One of the key figures in my journey was Chris Martinez. When I moved from France to the U.S., he was my first competitive coach, making me feel welcome and instilling confidence while refining my technical and tactical skills. He taught me to be coachable, a great teammate, and a professional on and off the field. Now, entering my 11th year as a pro, his influence remains one of the most significant in my career. I’m incredibly grateful for all he has done.”

TEAMS PLAYED FOR: Louisville City FC, Sporting Kansas City, Phoenix Rising, Montreal Impact, Clemson University, Real Colorado.

Jake Davis- Sporting Kansas City – MLS

“I spent two years with Chris Martinez as my coach. I enjoyed playing for him. He has a great way of connecting with players and communicating his knowledge of the game. Chris helps players focus on small details, that add up to big improvements in their game. I’m very grateful for Chris, he helped me become the player I am today”.

TEAMS PLAYED FOR: Sporting Kansas City, Sporting Kansas City II, Sporting Kansas City Academy.

Join Chris Martinez Soccer Coach at iATAC

Ready to train with an MLS veteran? Explore our Development Programs (internal link) and book a session with Chris Martinez today. From individual technical training to team-based tactical workshops, Chris’s holistic approach will elevate your game on and off the field.