FAIRBANKS - The Nanooks women's basketball team has announced the addition of Amaya Martinez. Martinez, a 6-0 forward, hails from Shawnee, Okla. and joins the Nanooks after two seasons at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M and one season at Adams State. 

"We're excited to welcome Amaya to the Nanook family," said head coach Michael Ricks. "She gives us great size, athleticism, and versatility in the frontcourt, along with the ability to stretch the floor offensively. We believe her skill set fits our style of play very well, and we're excited to see her make an immediate impact in our program." Martinez spent the 2025-26 season at Adams State in the RMAC after two seasons with Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. In her one year with ASU she appeared in 32 games. She posted a season-high five points on Jan. 8, 2026 against Westminster (UT). On the season, she grabbed 70 rebounds and 14 steals. Prior to the Grizzlies, she spent two seasons in Oklahoma. In her first year with NEO she appeared in all 31 games, making five starts. She averaged 2.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while posting a season-high nine points on Dec. 9, 2023 and 10 rebounds on Feb. 1, 2024. 

Her productivity jumped for the Lady Norse in 2024-25. She appeared and started in all 31 games as a sophomore and averaged 4.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. She finished the season with 187 total rebounds on 76 offensive boards and 111 defensive rebounds while adding 36 steals, 31 blocks, and 30 assists. She also shot 74.5% from the free-throw line on 51 attempts. She scored a career-high 15 points on Feb. 17, 2025 at Eastern Oklahoma State and grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds on Feb. 6, 2025 at Northern Oklahoma College-Enid. 

Martinez attended Shawnee High School in her hometown and averaged 8.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game as a senior. She earned Suburban Conference All-Conference honors for her efforts. "I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue my basketball and academic career," said Martinez after her signing. "I'm excited for this next chapter and thankful to my family and coaches who helped me get here."

Additional women's basketball signings will be announced in the coming weeks. 

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