Member Spotlight – Jarred Martin
By Cassidy Strittmatter, NFHCA Digital Communications Team
COLUMBUS, OH — Before shaping the future of field hockey from the sideline, Jarred Martin experienced it on the world stage.
A former U.S. Men’s National Team standout with more than a decade of international competition, Martin built his career competing across four continents, representing the United States in major events including Pan American Games, World Cup qualifiers, and Olympic qualifiers. That global perspective now informs how he leads, teaches, and serves the game.
As he enters his tenth season with the Ohio State University field hockey program this fall, Martin continues to influence the sport at multiple levels. In addition to his collegiate role, his coaching experience extends through the U.S. national system, where he has served as head coach of the U.S. Women’s U-17 and U-21 National Teams after earning his Level III accreditation through USA Field Hockey.
But Martin’s impact is not limited to the teams he coaches.
Through his ongoing service, including roles on the NFHCA Strategic Planning Committee, NFHCA Sport Development Committee, and the NCAA Division I Sport Oversight Committee, he is helping shape the direction of the sport itself. He has also contributed to the profession through education, leading sessions at the NFHCA Annual Convention in both the Ready2Coach and podium settings, where he shared his hockey and coaching wisdom with peers. His perspective, grounded in experience at every level of the game, brings both credibility and urgency to that work.
For Martin, coaching has always been about more than performance. It is about responsibility, stewardship, and a shared commitment to moving the game forward.
A Foundation Built on Responsibility
From early in his career, Martin understood that coaching extends beyond the field. That perspective was shaped by his first coaching mentor, Beth Bozman, an accomplished veteran coach whose career included leadership roles at Duke, Princeton, James Madison, and Hofstra.
“The first coach I worked for always emphasized the responsibility we carry as coaches, both on and off the field,” Martin shared. “It’s our role to represent the profession and take ownership of how we grow and support field hockey and the NFHCA.”
That foundation continues to influence how he approaches leadership today.
Service as a Core Part of Coaching
Martin views service not as an added responsibility, but as an essential part of strengthening the field hockey community. Through his involvement with NFHCA and NCAA committees, he has built meaningful connections with coaches across levels and backgrounds.
“I value the sessions where we can talk about the game and tactics,” he said. “But just as important are the conversations about life and how we support one another as coaches.”
These experiences reflect the deeper role committees play in fostering connection, perspective, and shared growth within the coaching community.
A Holistic Approach to Leadership
Balancing collegiate and national team coaching responsibilities alongside committee work requires intention. For Martin, however, service is not separate from his role. It is part of it.
“I wouldn’t say I’m the best at balance,” he shared. “I look at it more holistically. Committee work is something we should all make time for because it’s worth it to help move our sport forward.”
This mindset reinforces the idea that leadership in field hockey extends beyond daily coaching responsibilities.
Leading the Future, Together
Martin believes that collective leadership is essential as field hockey continues to navigate a changing collegiate athletics landscape.
“Our sport is at a pivotal moment,” he said. “Committees and working groups are where ideas are formed, where action comes to life, and where we can push field hockey into the national spotlight.”
His perspective aligns with the growing importance of unified leadership and intentional strategy in advancing the sport.
Through his continued involvement off the field, Martin exemplifies what it means to lead beyond the sideline. His commitment to service, collaboration, and growth reflects a broader belief: the future of field hockey will be shaped by coaches who are willing to invest in something greater than themselves.
Serve the Sport. Get Involved with the NFHCA
Inspired by leaders like Martin, many NFHCA members choose to give back through service to the coaching community. More than 200 coaches currently contribute their time and expertise across the Association’s 13 standing committees, helping shape programs, recognition initiatives, and the future of the sport. Coaches interested in becoming more involved are encouraged to complete the NFHCA Committee Service Application in the NFHCA Member Portal (under ‘Forms’) and take part in strengthening the field hockey community.
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