Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Martinez
Hi Karla, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into football equipment management started unexpectedly. I was never interested in football before, but that all changed when my dad took me to a college football game during my freshman year of high school. I was immediately captivated by the atmosphere and became completely sold on the sport. As the season went on, I taught myself the game and began asking my high school coaches daily if they needed help with the team. By the time spring rolled around, they needed an equipment manager, and I jumped at the opportunity. From that moment on, it’s been equipment management for me.
This role allowed me to blend my love for sports with the precision required to ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. I became dedicated to highlighting the vital, yet often unseen, work that goes into preparing for game day. My content not only showcases the role of women in sports but also provides a unique perspective on football culture, educating and entertaining my audience. As I continue to make strides in this field, I’m excited by the opportunities to collaborate with campaigns that empower and amplify the contributions of those in the sports industry, just like me. Together, we can inspire others to be passionate, and dedicated, and make their mark in the world of sports.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. With only a few years of high school experience around sports, adjusting to the environment of football was challenging, especially as a woman. During my first few months, I was often stuck doing laundry while my male coworkers handled the heavy work, and many people doubted my ability to learn and adapt. When I got a new boss about three months in, I saw it as my opportunity to prove myself, so I threw myself into every task I could and stayed later than other students. While my actions showed my dedication, I still faced a lot of doubt, with some people preferring my male coworkers even when I had more knowledge and experience.
I found myself changing parts of who I was to try to gain acceptance and show others what I knew I was capable of, but over time, I realized that some people will always look down on you for their own reasons, and that’s never your fault. I’ll never forget being pulled from my first two games as a ball person just 1-2 hours before kickoff because they were afraid I’d get too “flustered” on TV, a term I believe was only used because I was a woman. While that hurt, I didn’t let it tear me down—I used it as motivation. After a year and a half of proving myself and pushing past the doubts, I am now a full-time equipment manager.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in equipment management, particularly within football, and I’m passionate about showcasing the behind-the-scenes work that makes game day possible. I’m known for blending the excitement of the field with the meticulous work that goes into gear preparation, giving people a unique perspective on the role of equipment in the sports industry. Through my content, I highlight not only the technical aspects of managing football equipment but also the role of women in the industry, educating and entertaining my diverse audience along the way.
As an equipment manager, my day-to-day duties involve maintaining and preparing all gear for the team, ensuring everything is in top condition for practices and games. This includes organizing and inspecting equipment, ensuring uniforms are ready, and making sure helmets, pads, and other safety gear meet compliance standards. I also manage the inventory of supplies, assist with logistics, and keep track of what’s needed for both home and away games. On game days, my responsibilities ramp up significantly, as I am responsible for making sure the team has all the necessary equipment and that everything is set up on the field. This includes ensuring that all players are properly outfitted, handling any equipment issues that arise during the game, and being ready for quick fixes and adjustments as needed. It’s a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, but it’s one I thrive in.
What I’m most proud of is the journey I’ve taken to get here—starting from my high school days as an equipment manager, pushing through challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field, and eventually becoming a full-time equipment manager for a Division 1 football team. What sets me apart is my authenticity and dedication to showing the real, often unseen side of football and equipment management. My Instagram is a reflection of my experiences, where I share my passion, knowledge, and the challenges I’ve overcome. I believe my content resonates because it not only educates but also empowers others, especially women, to pursue their interests in sports and equipment.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Being communicative and having ambition
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kxxrla.m/
- Twitter: https://x.com/kxxrla_m
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kxxrla.m?_t=8ZUVgfLGnNb&_r=1
Image Credits
@astroo_shoots & @reirei.flics
