Bowling Green State University Athletics
Falcon Soccer Assistant Leaving BGSU, Alma Mater
June 04, 2001 | Men's Soccer
June 4, 2001
Bowling Green - Bowling Green State University men's soccer assistant Rob Martella is leaving his alma mater to take the position of Director of Soccer Operations for the United States Youth Soccer Association, located in Richardson, Texas, just outside of Dallas.
The 1994 BGSU graduate and All-American has been an assistant under head coach Mel Mahler for three seasons.
"This presents a large window of opportunity for me to further my career outside of coaching," Martella said. "I'm very sad, but excited about what the future holds for me. I will miss the guys I worked with as a player and a coach. It's hard to leave something you've put your heart and soul into."
Martella was a standout on the playing field at BGSU, finishing as the only Falcon to lead the team in each of his four seasons as the leading scorer. Bowling Green compiled a 50-18-8 record during his playing days. In addition to being the team's captain his final two seasons, Martella was named team Co-MVP in 1990, MVP in 1992 and the squad's top rookie in 1989. The Cincinnati native was a NSCAA First-Team All-American in 1992 and a freshman All-American in 1989.
"He's got a great opportunity," said BGSU coach Mel Mahler. "But, it's a big loss for us. He, more than any other player, was responsible for turning the (BGSU) program around in the late 80s and early 90s. And he brought that to the team as a coach. He has a great rapport with the players."
