NSCA Jerry Martin Strength and Conditioning Scholarship Fund

Jerry Martin is undoubtedly one of the most influential sports performance coaches to have impacted coaches, athletes, researchers, and/or other individuals involved in athletics. His career spanned 29 years, 26 of which were at the University of Connecticut. During his 29 years in the profession, Coach Jerry Martin taught and inspired upwards of 5,000 athletes. He has been honored through awards, opportunities, and the respect he has earned from others. He was not only active in the NSCA, but he also pushed many others to join and be a part of the association. Coach Jerry Martin not only won the Strength Coach of the Year award in 2004, but was also a finalist for the Big East Conference Strength Coach of the Year in 1996. His involvement in the NSCA includes several years serving as the committee chair for the Coaching Performance Committee, eight years as the Connecticut NSCA State Director, three years on the NSCA College Strength and Conditioning Professionals Executive Board member, and several years as a Human Performance Committee member.  

Coach Martin’s influence on the profession goes beyond the title of college strength coach. Coach Martin played a role in the Bronze Medal won by the United States National Field Hockey Team in the 1994 World Cup. As the Strength and Conditioning Coordinator of the University of Connecticut, he was a part of numerous national championships, even more conference championships, and a BCS Bowl. It is notable that Coach Martin played a large role in the transition of the University of Connecticut’s football program moving from division IAA to IA and winning a BCS bowl within ten years of his arrival.

During his time as a coordinator, he influenced many people that are still in the sports performance industry today. His philosophy and expectations permeate throughout the country, and have led others to become directors in highly successful programs. Coach Martin left a legacy for sports performance coaches to model.

His integrity, passion, and work ethic continue to inspire individuals to help athletes to reach their full potential. He has reached out to athletes and coaches alike on various levels not only to assist them, but also to teach them. With 59 professional presentations throughout the years, his influence reaches far beyond that of the University of Connecticut weight room. Coach Martin is an inspiration to those who are motivated to help others.