Cesareo Martinez knew he wanted more than wins when he took the athletic coordinator role at Thomas C. Marsh Preparatory Academy.
He wanted a family.
In his first year as Marsh’s athletic coordinator and soccer coach, that vision translated into back-to-back championships for the girls’ soccer team, while building a culture that draws in students and their parents.
“They’re a sisterhood,” Martinez said. “It really takes a village, and I want my athletes to know they are family.”
Martinez builds connections with his players through small traditions, from wearing a friendship bracelet made by his athletes—each contributing two charms—to organizing team breakfasts, scavenger hunts and end-of-season gift baskets.
Martinez’s emphasis on celebration reinforces the culture. He organized a special eighth grade game, complete with sashes, personalized gift baskets and printed photos, ensuring his graduating players felt honored before moving on.
“I wanted to give them something back for all their hard work,” he said. The event is already becoming a Marsh tradition,” he said.
He also focuses on academics.
Martinez tracks grades closely and reminds athletes that, as student-athletes, they carry greater expectations both on and off the field. Students who joined a team with grades averaging in the 60s climbed into the 80s after committing to a sport.
His impact is already being recognized around the campus. One seventh grader told Martinez that several younger students plan to enroll in sports next year.
“You really are the face and the voice of Marsh athletics,” his student, Graham S. told him.
Martinez also recently received the Teacher of Promise award, given to a new staff member who goes the distance for success. The honor reflected long hours and initiative, as he is often the first on campus and one of the last to leave, along with the momentum he’s brought to Marsh athletics.
Though candid about occasional doubts as a young athletic coordinator, Martinez is grounded by the trust of his principal, the pride of parents, and the loyalty of his students.
“Everything really is possible with a great support system,” he said. “As long as you have that one person who truly believes in you, you can go a long way.”
