Coach Terry Martin is the women’s softball coach at Piedmont University. He has a passion for doing everything he can to make sure that every softball player is a winner and does his best to motivate his team.
While Martin loves being a coach at Piedmont, it took him a job or two to really find the place he wanted to land, which was Piedmont University.
“I used to work as a counselor at the Alto Prison,” said Martin. “The job opportunity was given to me. I played ball all my life, and I felt that Piedmont University is where God wanted me to go.”
“Coach Martin is always trying to push us as players and people by challenging us on and off the field,” said sophomore utility Rylie Erickson. “He is able to push us farther to make us feel better.”
Martin is not only just a coach, he also serves as the Men’s Bible study leader and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) leader. Martin expressed he wants to share a piece of wisdom from the bible with every single student at Piedmont.
“Being around students keeps me young,” said Martin. “Most of all, God puts you in places where he wants you to be and where he can use you. I just feel honored that he put me in this spot and to see young people come in as a freshman, and leave as grown adults. I have been coaching for over 27 years, and it’s at the point where the former girls that I coach are now bringing their daughters to play for me which is a great atmosphere.”
Martin is seen as a role model and leader for his team. Despite coaching softball, Martin used to coach basketball. He helped some well known alumni here at Piedmont to become the coach she is today. Martin coached Jamie Purdy, the head coach of the women’s basketball team.
“Coach Purdy was very aggressive and a hard-nosed player, “ said Martin. “I think about the way she coaches now because she is a basketball coach, and Coach Purdy did play for me in one of our first seasons. The president and secretary, Arian Foster, coached her as well.”
The connections Martin makes with new or old students every day are what make him so happy to be a coach at Piedmont University.
“He’s very passionate about the game and developing us as players and people,” said junior infielder Madi Cronic. “He’s always encouraging us through the good and the bad and makes sure we know our full potential and the outcome.”
Martin loves every moment of being a coach at Piedmont University and loves to make connections with new students every day. Martin has made many impacts on students over his many years at Piedmont.
“I have been here for a long time, and I enjoy my time here,” said Martin.
