Martin Sanchez

BERLIN- Worcester Prep soccer standout Martin Sanchez last week recieved his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy and will take his game to Annapolis next year. Sanchez, who was named the Mallards’ most valuable player after a stellar senior season last fall, has accepted the appointment to the Naval Academy and will play soccer for the Middies next year. The standout defender and prolific scorer said this week he is excited about the opportunity to play Division I soccer at Navy in the Patriot League, which also features other schools such as Army, Lehigh, Colgate and American. Sanchez said he is looking forward to the rigors of the Naval Academy both on and off the soccer field.

“I’ve always wanted to attend the Naval Academy because I’m one who appreciates order and structure in all that I do,” he said. “The program the Academy provides is an excellent one for me.” Sanchez’s soccer career extends far beyond his playing days at Worcester Prep. He has also played for the Upper 90 Soccer Academy, Casa Mia Bays, the Freestate Elite and was a member of the U.S. Regional team. He is an Adidas All-American and participated in their ESP Program last year. His natural position is centerback and he will likely have the opportunity to make an immediate impact at Navy next year. He has the opportunity to play for new Navy coach Dave Brandt, the winningest soccer coach in NCAA history. After seeing Martin play in a tournament in North Carolina last February, Coach Brandt offered a spot to Martin and he excepted without hesitation. In his four years at Worcester, Sanchez was an important component of several highly successful Mallard teams. Worcester Coach Tom Westcott said Sanchez’s skill and leadership will be difficult to replace, but voiced confidence the Mallard standout would thrive at Navy. "We are really going to miss Martin on our team next year, but I know he’ll make his mark on the Navy team,” he said. “He is a quality player and a quality person.”