Shekiera Martinez is the first West Ham United women’s team player to win a Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month award - a moment of history for the Club.
The 23-year-old has made an instant impact in her first months in England’s top flight, having signed for the Hammers in the summer and spent the first half of the season on loan at German side SC Freiburg.
Scoring five goals in eight appearances, Martinez has played in every competitive match since her women’s team debut in January, against Chelsea. Notching twice against the Blues and netting away at Arsenal in March, as well as her consistent pace and trickery in the opposition’s half, has earned her the accolade - a deserved winner.
“I’m so proud to have won the Player of the Month award, I can’t believe it!” beamed Martinez.
“This award means a lot to me and to be the first West Ham player to do so is an honour. I’m hoping it will be the first of many for me and my teammates!
“On paper, I’m sure people wouldn’t have expected us to get the results we did in March, but we have shown that we can challenge the best teams in the league. No matter who we are playing, we never give up.
“The morale and togetherness in this group is amazing and that’s showing on the pitch, our performances are continuing to improve every single match.”
The pick of Martinez’s displays in March came away at WSL leaders Chelsea in the final game before the international break. Picture the scene - Chelsea have a two-goal advantage and are looking to carry the lead into the break. Three minutes before half-time, however, up pops Martinez with a thunderous control and finish under Hannah Hampton.
Rehanne Skinner’s side came out fighting in the second half and caused the hosts plenty of problems. It looked as if they were going to fall to an unfortunate defeat when the fourth official held aloft a signal for four additional minutes on 90 minutes, but you could never rule this West Ham team, and their No19, out.
Scotland international Kirsty Smith hooked an inviting cross to the back post and there was Martinez, stooping low to direct a header with brilliance into the far corner to earn the Irons a massive point on the road.
“We were really proud to get the point against Chelsea, especially given how dominant they have been at home this season,” explained the Germany U23 international.
“We had a great feeling before the game so I wasn’t surprised by our performance or the result.
“The first 20 minutes was not the start to the game that we wanted but we were really happy to score before half-time. We re-grouped at the break and all knew that we were still in the game.
“We came out stronger in the second half, we didn't stop believing and that's the reason we turned the game around. A point was the least that we deserved and was a proud moment for all of us.”
Martinez may have only returned from her loan in January, but the forward always wears a smile around Chadwell Heath - a sign she has slotted into the squad with ease.
“I’m really happy at West Ham and have loved every minute of being here,” she confirmed.
“I always wanted to play in the WSL as it’s the best league in the world, so I am really enjoying the challenge of playing in England.
“It’s like one big family here! Everyone made me feel at home straight away. It only took me two days to feel settled! My teammates and coaches have given me a lot of confidence and support.
“When I moved to West Ham in the summer, I knew that I needed to go on loan to gain points for my visa. So I embraced the opportunity at SC Freiburg to work as hard as I could to make sure that when I eventually returned to east London, I could hit the ground running and I feel like I have done that.
“It was a special moment to make my debut against a team like Chelsea in January. It felt like a dream come true!
“I’m loving working with a coach of Rehanne’s experience and quality. She has helped me so much in such a short period of time. She allows me to play my game and express myself, and has given me the confidence to enjoy my football. I know that she believes in me and I want to repay the support that she shows me every time that I play for West Ham.”
The month was not only memorable for Martinez, but for the women’s team as a whole. A valiant display against second-placed Arsenal, a dramatic point at home to Manchester City, claiming bragging rights over Tottenham Hotspur and a come-from-behind point at Kingsmeadow - things have been incredibly positive for Skinner’s side of late, who broke two home records in March.
Up to seventh, the Hammers have four games remaining to make this season even more memorable: the visits of Manchester United and Aston Villa, and trips to Crystal Palace and Leicester City.
“We’ve been on a really positive run of form recently so the challenge is to continue working hard to maintain the high level that we’ve set ourselves,” said Martinez. “If we do so, I’m sure the results will take care of themselves.
“I want to keep working hard to help the team finish the season as strong as we can. I have a lot of confidence in my own ability and I know that the manager and my teammates do as well. I think I’ve shown a glimpse of what I’m capable of but I know I have a lot more to offer and areas of my game still to develop.
“What I’ve noticed about this team is the strength in depth throughout the squad, we have so many great players with a lot of energy and experience.
“In the short time I’ve been here, it’s clear that our performances are getting better and better, and I think it’s a really exciting time to play for West Ham.”
