Former Western Kentucky University (WKU) Women’s Tennis player Samantha Martinez will represent Venezuela in the Billie Jean King Cup this week at Club Deportivo de Ibagué in Ibagué, Colombia, according to an April 6 announcement.
Martinez said she feels “incredibly honored to represent Venezuela in the BJK Cup.” She added, “Playing for these colors has always been a dream, so being here is truly special for me. I’m also thankful to be part of an amazing team with such talented teammates and a great captain. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and excited to give my best!”
The Billie Jean King Cup is considered the premier international team competition in women’s tennis. Formerly known as the Federation Cup and Fed Cup, it began in 1963 and has grown into the world’s largest annual women’s international team sports competition by number of participating nations. In 2026, a record 148 countries entered across all levels.
Venezuela will compete from April 8-11 in Americas Zone Group 1 against Colombia, Mexico, and Ecuador as part of Group B. WKU Women’s Tennis Head Coach Greg Davis said, “Very happy to see Sam chosen to play in the Billie Jean King Cup for Venezuela. I can’t think of a bigger honor than playing for one’s country.”
Martinez completed her career at WKU as the program’s winningest doubles player with 56 career doubles wins—a record that still stands—and achieved a combined total of 71 singles and doubles victories during her time with the Lady Toppers. She also earned academic honors including College Sports Communicators Academic All-District, Conference USA All-Academic Team, and ITA Scholar-Athlete recognition during her collegiate career.
Before joining WKU, Martinez reached No. 591 on the International Tennis Federation ranking list and held top rankings within Venezuela at both national and state levels.
