On Sunday, May 15, 2022, the Athletic Department of Cypress Christian School hosted a retirement celebration to honor Coach Marsha Martin for 26 years of service to CCS. Members of the administration, athletic department, coaching staff and alumni parents paid tribute to her in front of a packed crowd who came to honor her and thank her for many years of service.
Coach Cleveland thanked Coach Martin for encouraging him to join the coaching team at “CCCS back in 2003.” As a new coach, he said watching someone with so much wisdom, knowledge and experience was invaluable and he learned how to coach with excellence. “Coach Martin has always carried herself with grace and dignity and has been a godly example of how to navigate the highs and lows of both coaching and life.” Coach Cleveland said he greatly values her life goal from I Corinthians 10:31: “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God,” and her coaching standard – “We are going to glorify God – win or lose.” He said serving alongside her has been an honor.
Alumni parents Shannon and Dia Moore enjoyed 14 sports seasons (7 years straight) of track and basketball with Coach Martin. They loved and appreciated how she instilled the life lessons of leadership, commitment, persistence and determination in their daughters and fellow athletes. Regardless of the potential of the team, Coach Martin stuck with them and character was built and faith was grown. Their daughter Katie (CCS Class of ‘14) emailed a tribute to Coach Martin which her mom read to guests. “I am so honored for the years I had of being an athlete under the direction of Coach Martin – training, learning and growing under her leadership. Coach Martin goes beyond raising up successful student-athletes and teams and takes it to the next level. She instills life-long lessons and makes a lasting difference in the lives of the players she coaches by growing servant-leaders who understand the importance of teamwork, grit, integrity and keeping Christ first above all else. These are traits I carry with me through each day and stage of my life – no longer on the court or field but in my friendships, my work and in my marriage. I cannot thank her enough for the sacrifices she made to pour into my life and the lives of so many others. Her impact will no doubt have lasting effects beyond the bounds of Cypress Christian School. I pray God blesses her richly in this new season of her life and I praise Him for the 26 years of seasons she spent at CCS.”
Kris Hogan, Director of Culture and Head Football Coach spoke about how Coach Martin ran a Christ-centered program and worked hard to make sure CCS teams represented Christ. “Over the last 24 months, I have watched and listened as she talked to her athletes and she was adamant about making sure that we are a light for Jesus.”
Athletic Director Drew Sells spoke about her long-time career of service and honoring God. He and Athletic Assistant Sandra Boyd presented Coach Martin with a James Avery bracelet representing 26 years at CCS and announced that the Athletic Department is renaming the Warrior Relays to the Marsha Martin Relays. She was invited to come back each year and help run the relays as she has done so well for the last 26 years, and to make sure that future Warriors get to know her and learn from her on how to race well and honor God in all they do.
With much emotion and thankful tears, Coach Martin addressed guests thanking them for coming and thanking God for all the years she has gotten to serve students at CCS. She said she is excited to see what God will do in the future at CCS and “The biggest blessing is that we all think ‘God First.’ I pray that never changes. To God be the glory.”
A reception followed the tribute with many current and former players and families giving her gifts, hugs and saying thank you for 26 years of faithful service.
