From the dusty fields of Kingman, Arizona, a young quarterback is putting in the kind of work that doesn’t go unnoticed. Ace Martinez, who will enter Lee Williams High School as a freshman this fall, is already showing the kind of dedication, resilience, and leadership that coaches dream of. A three-year veteran of school and travel football, Ace lives for the game—and more importantly, for the brotherhood that comes with it.
“I love being on a team,” Ace says. “The grind of practices, when everyone’s sweating, pushing through, and encouraging each other—that’s what makes football special.”
It all started with a love for throwing the football. What began as a passion turned into a daily habit. Ace practices every single day. Whether it’s refining his mechanics, running routes with wide receivers, or hitting the gym to build strength under the guidance of his conditioning coach, Kramer, Ace never takes a day off from chasing his potential. His quarterback coach, the renowned Mike Giovando—“Coach Gio”—has helped him develop his throwing motion and sharpen his mental edge. Between Coach Gio and Coach Kramer, Ace credits their guidance as foundational to his progress. “They’re two of the best men in the world—so uplifting,” he says.
This summer, Ace will take another major step in his football journey. From June 1–6, he’ll travel across the country on the Quarterback Magazine College TOUR—one of the youngest 8th graders making the trip. He’ll compete alongside quarterbacks from all over the nation at elite college football camps, showcasing his skills directly in front of college coaches. The tour includes stops at Texas Tech University, SMU, the University of North Texas, the University of Kansas, and the University of Missouri. For Ace, it’s an opportunity not just to prove himself—but to grow, compete, and learn at the next level.
This past year, Ace faced one of his toughest challenges yet: a broken collarbone. But instead of letting it derail his goals, he saw it as a turning point. “That injury was a blessing,” he reflects. “I couldn’t throw, so I worked on my footwork every day. I’ve become so much stronger because of it.” That mindset—of turning setbacks into opportunities—is something Ace now carries with him into every practice and every game.
Ace’s competitive edge comes from more than just physical preparation. “I don’t have superstitions,” he says. “I believe we make our own luck by how much and how hard we practice.” That belief shows up on the field, where he knows how to lead under pressure. One of his favorite moments in football? “Fourth and goal. You hit your wide receiver in the back corner of the end zone. No feeling in the world like it. Then you celebrate with your team, knowing everything—every drop of sweat, every drill—came together.”
His proudest game performance so far? Throwing four touchdowns in a single game. But Ace is far from satisfied. His goals for the next 6–12 months are clear: start as the JV quarterback, improve his release with Coach Gio, and build more muscle under Coach Kramer’s guidance. On off days, he’s still grinding—lifting weights, throwing with receivers, or getting extra reps on his own.
Outside of football, Ace stays active in baseball and track, bringing that same intensity to every sport he plays. He’s inspired by NFL quarterback Josh Allen, and like Allen, Ace is known for being smart on the field and outworking everyone else.
“I live for football,” Ace says. “I never miss a practice or a workout. The best thing in the world is being around all my teammates. I want to thank Coach Gio for all he’s done for me. And Coach Kramer—for making me stronger and mentally ready.”
As he prepares for high school and hits the road this summer to compete at top colleges, one thing is clear: Ace Martinez isn’t just chasing the dream—he’s living it with heart, hunger, and the kind of grind that sets the great ones apart.