ORLANDO – While Dayana Martin’s time with UCF has come to an end following six seasons and a prolific attacking record, the awards continue to roll in. The United Soccer Coaches Poll has named Martin to the All-Midwest Region Third Team following her impressive 2023 campaign. She's now secured back-to-back season's with recognition on the All-Region Third Teams as she was honored in the South Region in 2022.
Following a farewell season in the American Athletic Conference in which Martin featured alongside three other Knights on the all-conference first team, she left her mark in her final regular season at UCF in 2023. With a season of firsts in the cards, Martin will long be remembered in UCF Athletics history for her part in the Knights’ first year in their new conference.
In the squad’s season-opening bout at Purdue, the first of any team to play as a Big 12 member, Martin finished off a beautiful sequence to give UCF both its first win and its first of many goals and points as a Power Five school. On Sept. 14 in front of a packed UCF Soccer Complex, all in attendance to witness the monumental occasion as the Knights welcomed West Virginia for their first conference match, Martin electrified once again. She slotted home the equalizer in an eventual 4-2 triumph over the Mountaineers, the reigning Big 12 Tournament Champions.
For UCF, her performance this season was a marquee factor in the Knights' first-round bye and sixth-place finish. After a five-goal, five-assist 2022 season, she continued to advance her game alongside a newly-formed attack that featured Xavier transfer Chloe Netzel, Ellie Moreno, and Maggie Jenkins. Her seven assists serve as a testament to the vision that has pushed the Knights over the line in numerous matches, as UCF is 3-1-1 when Martin notches an assist. With three goals, seven assists, and 13 points on the season, her knack for scoring in big moments will never be forgotten.
The honor marks Martin’s second thus far following the conclusion of the regular season, as she was also named to the Big 12 All-Conference Second Team.