Testimonials
The Proof: People Who Vouch for Coach Martens
College and NFL coaches, athletic administrators, a national recruiting analyst, the athletes he placed, and the parents who watched the whole thing happen. Every one of these is attributed.
Programs and organizations represented below
- Notre Dame
- Michigan
- Ohio State
- Florida
- Michigan State
- Kansas
- Tulane
- Wisconsin
- Baltimore Ravens
- Arizona Cardinals
- Rivals / On3
- UCLA
- Buffalo
- Central Michigan
- Appalachian State
- Bowling Green
- Western Michigan
- Western Kentucky
- Grand Valley State
- Saginaw Valley State
- San Diego State
- Ferris State
- Davenport
- Calvin
- New Mexico Activities Association
- Lake Shore High School
8 notes
College & NFL Coaches
Marty Martens was a strength coach all the years I recruited Division 1 college athletes (50). Marty was always honest about his athletes and was ahead of other coaches on which athletes were Division 1 athletes. He did a great job of letting coaches know what level they could play and what were their strong points were and what needed to be done to improve. I always trusted Marty's evaluation and reference. He has earned a great reputation as an evaluator and communicator.
Coach Martens is not only an elite developer of talent, but he is also an outstanding talent evaluator. Coach Martens is a true connector - highly respected by coaches, scouts & student athletes across the country - he consistently matches student athletes and schools - leading to strong connections & life changing relationships.
Marty Martens was the person to see in Grand Rapids during my 20+ years of recruiting Michigan. As the Head of Recruitment for East Kentwood football, he was an exceptional evaluator of talent and advocate for student-athletes. Coach Martens's consistent dedication set him apart and his attention to detail gave every player the chance to be evaluated, prepared, and positioned for the best possible opportunities. His willingness to go the extra mile to personally take players…
Read the full noteMarty Martens was the person to see in Grand Rapids during my 20+ years of recruiting Michigan. As the Head of Recruitment for East Kentwood football, he was an exceptional evaluator of talent and advocate for student-athletes. Coach Martens's consistent dedication set him apart and his attention to detail gave every player the chance to be evaluated, prepared, and positioned for the best possible opportunities. His willingness to go the extra mile to personally take players on college visits showed all his deep commitment to their futures. He also invested tireless hours developing players in the weight room, where they not only built strength but also gained confidence and discipline through his guidance. His network of connections throughout the college football world opens doors that others cannot. Coach Martens has a lifetime loyalty to his players and they to him, always putting them first...even before himself, focusing on their growth and long-term success both on and off the field. Marty has never and will never step away from his commitment to helping others see the best in themselves and elevating their exposure and talent.
I first met Marty Martens in a graduate level course we were both taking on weekends at GVSU. He was a teacher/coach at East Kentwood HS and I was the OC/OL FB coach at GVSU. We quickly found a friendship based on our values towards education, football and recruiting. He spent so much time traveling HS players around to various colleges so they could see the campuses/facilities, watch practices/workouts and meet college FB coaches face to face. He is relentless and willing…
Read the full noteI first met Marty Martens in a graduate level course we were both taking on weekends at GVSU. He was a teacher/coach at East Kentwood HS and I was the OC/OL FB coach at GVSU. We quickly found a friendship based on our values towards education, football and recruiting. He spent so much time traveling HS players around to various colleges so they could see the campuses/facilities, watch practices/workouts and meet college FB coaches face to face. He is relentless and willing to do anything that helps his players get the exposure they need to get a scholarship or a walk on opportunity. I was fortunate to get commitments from some of his best players in my 40 year of collegiate FB coaching. No one has done it better than Marty Martens because he knows exactly what college coaches are looking for. He won't just talk to you and call college coaches but he will personally drive you to see where your future will be. He is simply the best at helping young people through his recruiting service!!!
Marty has genuine care for his student-athletes well being and if they are the right fit for a program. He develops real relationships and gives honest feedback to everyone. The most impressive attribute is the investment of time & energy he pours into the players. Recruiting is about relationships & trust, both of which Marty excels at.
Marty has been a teacher, mentor, and friend to me for the past 23 years. He has a true heart for service and has changed countless lives through his work as an educator and his passion for helping student-athletes navigate the recruiting process. Throughout my 14 years working as a college football coach, I have personally witnessed Marty help hundreds of student-athletes find the right fit for their college experience. He consistently goes above and beyond, spending…
Read the full noteMarty has been a teacher, mentor, and friend to me for the past 23 years. He has a true heart for service and has changed countless lives through his work as an educator and his passion for helping student-athletes navigate the recruiting process. Throughout my 14 years working as a college football coach, I have personally witnessed Marty help hundreds of student-athletes find the right fit for their college experience. He consistently goes above and beyond, spending countless hours on the phone, on college visits, and crafting emails to ensure athletes find opportunities at every level of college football. His years of honesty and follow-through have built a trusted network with some of the best coaches in the game. Marty's commitment to serving student-athletes is truly second to none.
Coach Martens is in the business of serving others, and he shows that with his actions in every way. He personally drove me to my first strength and conditioning conference when I was a junior in high school, after sharing with him that I wanted to be a Strength and Conditioning Coach for my career. He has supported me every step of the way since. Coach Martens has an expansive network, an unrelenting will to always seek the answer, and find a better way. With this…
Read the full noteCoach Martens is in the business of serving others, and he shows that with his actions in every way. He personally drove me to my first strength and conditioning conference when I was a junior in high school, after sharing with him that I wanted to be a Strength and Conditioning Coach for my career. He has supported me every step of the way since. Coach Martens has an expansive network, an unrelenting will to always seek the answer, and find a better way. With this unrelenting will, and his depth of knowledge in college sports, he has helped many like me, achieve their dreams. I couldn't be more excited as he begins this journey!
I have known Marty Martens since he played for me. He has a great understanding of football and talent. He has always worked tirelessly to place players at the level they belong. He is a people person - so crucial in recruiting!
3 notes
Athletic Directors & Administrators
We have had the opportunity to work alongside Marty as a colleague, educator, and presenter, and have seen firsthand the impact of his strength and conditioning programming in the high school setting. He brings a unique combination of expertise, practical experience, and an ability to connect with coaches and student-athletes. He has presented at two of my schools, our athletic directors association conference, and our coaches association conference, and every time he…
Read the full noteWe have had the opportunity to work alongside Marty as a colleague, educator, and presenter, and have seen firsthand the impact of his strength and conditioning programming in the high school setting. He brings a unique combination of expertise, practical experience, and an ability to connect with coaches and student-athletes. He has presented at two of my schools, our athletic directors association conference, and our coaches association conference, and every time he delivers relevant, practical information that coaches can immediately take back to their programs. He understands the realities of the high school environment and designs his programming accordingly. I would highly recommend Marty to any school, athletic department, or coaches association looking for a knowledgeable and engaging strength and conditioning professional.
My name is Rich Bowers and I am the Athletic Director at St. Clair Shores Lake Shore High School. I began this role is 2022 and have coached at Lake Shore for a number of years. It has always been a struggle to get consistent participation in the weight room and each coach ran their own program which created a lot of inconsistencies and conflicts. I realized if we were ever going to fix our issues, I needed a different system.
Read the full noteMy name is Rich Bowers and I am the Athletic Director at St. Clair Shores Lake Shore High School. I began this role is 2022 and have coached at Lake Shore for a number of years. It has always been a struggle to get consistent participation in the weight room and each coach ran their own program which created a lot of inconsistencies and conflicts. I realized if we were ever going to fix our issues, I needed a different system.
I have known Coach Martens for many years and I was aware of the program he was running with East Kentwood's athletic programs. I reached out to Marty and he explained his Universal Strength Training program and offered for me to come and do a visit to see it in action. What I saw was exactly what we needed. I then had Coach come in and teach the system to my coaches and a number of our athletes.
Coach Martens was fantastic when he introduced the program to my athletes and coaches. He was so thorough and patient with everyone. He introduced everything from using bands, lifting weight, spotting for safety and even showed us how to run the 40-yard dash in order to get the best results. His knowledge, down to the slightest detail, was amazing and I have been using the Universal Strength Program ever since.
Since beginning the program, we have had multiple district titles, several league championships, all-state honors, a wrestling state champion, but most important, less injuries and we have increased our numbers for sending athletes to follow their dreams at the next level.
Coach Martens has developed a system that addresses athletes where they are. It focuses, not only on strength, but flexibility, joint stability, balance and nutrition, just to name a few. Our kids at Lake Shore or more confident, explosive and athletic since stating this system. I have been involved in athletics for over 40 years, and in my opinion, Coach Martens is the best at developing athletes and athleticism in the state of Michigan. I also believe it would rival anything else in the country. It has done wonders for Lake Shore High School
Marty was with us for two days in person, and his experience, energy, and passion were the driving forces behind our transformation. Before Marty’s visit, we were struggling in so many areas relating to strength training. Marty changed all of that by providing legitimacy to a program that previously suffered from low interest and felt like "just another class" to teach.
Read the full noteMarty was with us for two days in person, and his experience, energy, and passion were the driving forces behind our transformation. Before Marty’s visit, we were struggling in so many areas relating to strength training. Marty changed all of that by providing legitimacy to a program that previously suffered from low interest and felt like "just another class" to teach.
The growth we experienced happened at a rapid pace, and it happened in so much more than just one way. This momentum reinvigorated our PE staff. They resurrected a single course and grew it into 15 sections within a single school year.
In closing, Marty Martens played as pivotal of a role as anyone else in the transformation of our Unified Strength program and the athletic department at Watertown High School.
5 notes
Parents
Marty Martens' wealth of experience and strong relationships at the college football level were invaluable to us during my son's football recruitment. The world of recruiting has changed so significantly since my own experience that it's now almost unrecognizable. Marty's expertise helped guide and navigate us through all of the new recruiting complexities. He genuinely cares about the kids he works with, demonstrating a level of commitment that is so rare today. Marty's…
Read the full noteMarty Martens' wealth of experience and strong relationships at the college football level were invaluable to us during my son's football recruitment. The world of recruiting has changed so significantly since my own experience that it's now almost unrecognizable. Marty's expertise helped guide and navigate us through all of the new recruiting complexities. He genuinely cares about the kids he works with, demonstrating a level of commitment that is so rare today. Marty's dedication sets him apart!
Building a relationship with Coach Martens was the single most impactful thing when it came to navigating the recruiting process.
Read the full noteBuilding a relationship with Coach Martens was the single most impactful thing when it came to navigating the recruiting process.
He not only has an unmatched network and connections all over the US, but more importantly I learned that he built that network by maintaining a high reputation.
As a parent, what I was the most appreciative of, was the time he spent teaching and demanding the best out of my son. It's one thing to be a good athlete, it's entirely different to learn how to conduct yourself and communicate with coaches throughout the process. The focus spent on the little things make a big difference. To this day, my son will never shake anyone's hand sitting down.
Any parent or athlete that thinks they can do it in their own just doesn't understand the complexities they will run into. Having a trusted advisor in your corner with your athletes best interest in mind is absolutely invaluable. Especially during times where truths and factual information seems tougher to find.
I can't possibly recommend working with Marty Martens enough!
We cannot thank you enough for the impact you have had on our family throughout the football recruiting process for our three sons. From the very beginning, you walked alongside us every step of the way with honesty, wisdom, and genuine care.
Read the full noteWe cannot thank you enough for the impact you have had on our family throughout the football recruiting process for our three sons. From the very beginning, you walked alongside us every step of the way with honesty, wisdom, and genuine care.
Your communication was exceptional. You consistently kept us informed, answered questions, and helped guide our family through what can often be an overwhelming process. More importantly, you leveraged your relationships and contacts to help open doors and create opportunities that truly changed the trajectory of our sons' futures.
What stood out most was your sincere love for students and athletes, not just athletically, but academically, personally, and spiritually. We will always be grateful for the time, energy, and heart you invested in them.
Thank you for believing in our sons, advocating for them, and helping guide them toward opportunities that will impact the rest of their lives. Your influence goes far beyond football, and our family deeply appreciates everything you have done.
Coach Martens is more than a coach, he's a true leader with a heart that impacts everyone he meets. His energy is contagious, and his ability to see not just who an athlete is today, but who they can become, is something special. He's a visionary with a God-given gift for identifying talent, developing it, and mentoring it into something great. What sets him apart is that he doesn't just talk about it, he lives it. His actions, consistency, and genuine support speak louder…
Read the full noteCoach Martens is more than a coach, he's a true leader with a heart that impacts everyone he meets. His energy is contagious, and his ability to see not just who an athlete is today, but who they can become, is something special. He's a visionary with a God-given gift for identifying talent, developing it, and mentoring it into something great. What sets him apart is that he doesn't just talk about it, he lives it. His actions, consistency, and genuine support speak louder than words ever could.
Coach Martens has helped countless athletes reach the next level by guiding them through the recruiting process with intention and care. From organizing college visits to educating families, identifying strengths, and connecting athletes with the right programs, he makes sure every athlete is seen, prepared, and placed where they can succeed, not just athletically, but academically and personally.
But what truly makes Coach Martens different is his heart for people. He doesn't just invest in athletes, he invests in families. Over time, he became family to us. He saw something in my son that others overlooked and refused to give up on him. He advocated for him, spoke on his behalf, and made sure his name was heard. He helped my son navigate some of the toughest moments of his life, pouring into him mentally and physically, always knowing when to call, check in, or simply show up.
Coach Martens is more than a mentor, he's a father figure, and their bond is something lifelong. His presence brings strength, guidance, and belief when it's needed most. He has also supported me personally through difficult times, always bringing encouragement, knowledge, and light when I needed it most.
Helping others isn't just what he does, it's who he is. Coach Martens has played a major role in my son's success, and I truly believe he will continue changing lives for many more athletes and families to come. If you're looking for someone who will not only develop talent but genuinely care about the person behind it, Coach Martens is that person.
My family and I are forever grateful, and proud to call him family for life.
Coach Marty's meaningful connections and strong reputation throughout college football proved invaluable in helping my son and me learn about numerous collegiate programs and better understand the dynamic nature of recruiting. His in-depth knowledge of recruiting and player development is impressive!
11 notes
Players
Marty Martens and I have known each other for many years, and thanks to him, I was exposed to countless Power Five/Four universities, which helped me make the best decision for myself out of high school. To this day, I still have many connections from my recruiting visits that have carried over into the NFL. I'm grateful to Marty for his mentorship, the countless hours he's invested, and the belief he's had in me every step of the way. I wouldn't be where I am today without…
Read the full noteMarty Martens and I have known each other for many years, and thanks to him, I was exposed to countless Power Five/Four universities, which helped me make the best decision for myself out of high school. To this day, I still have many connections from my recruiting visits that have carried over into the NFL. I'm grateful to Marty for his mentorship, the countless hours he's invested, and the belief he's had in me every step of the way. I wouldn't be where I am today without him.
I only played football my senior year in high school. Throughout the season coach Martens worked harder than anyone has ever worked for me to get me a college scholarship. Even when I thought there was no chance, Martens saw what I couldn't in me before I even did. Long hours of getting my name out to coaches and taking me on visits and never asking for anything just my best effort on and off the field. I got multiple Division 1 offers through Coach Martens and the support…
Read the full noteI only played football my senior year in high school. Throughout the season coach Martens worked harder than anyone has ever worked for me to get me a college scholarship. Even when I thought there was no chance, Martens saw what I couldn't in me before I even did. Long hours of getting my name out to coaches and taking me on visits and never asking for anything just my best effort on and off the field. I got multiple Division 1 offers through Coach Martens and the support has not stopped to this day. Coach Martens guided me through a college transfer and now into my professional career. Coach Martens is one of, if not my most trusted mentor and advisor in Football and Life.
Coach Marty has been one of the most impactful people in my life, both on and off the field. I still remember being a freshman when he took me under his wing and told me that if I locked in with him, I would have opportunities to grow and experience things beyond what I imagined. He stayed true to that promise. From taking us on trips to camps and colleges across the country, including Big Ten programs, to constantly finding ways to get us exposure, Coach Marty always went…
Read the full noteCoach Marty has been one of the most impactful people in my life, both on and off the field. I still remember being a freshman when he took me under his wing and told me that if I locked in with him, I would have opportunities to grow and experience things beyond what I imagined. He stayed true to that promise. From taking us on trips to camps and colleges across the country, including Big Ten programs, to constantly finding ways to get us exposure, Coach Marty always went above and beyond. He wasn't just focused on football, he was focused on helping us become better men. Even during my time in college at Wisconsin and Central Michigan he continued to show up and support me, making time out of his busy schedule to attend games and check in. That kind of consistency and genuine care is rare. Coach Marty played a major role in my recruitment process. He helped set up interviews, prepared me for different situations, and guided me every step of the way. More importantly, he built a relationship with me that still stands strong today. What makes Coach Marty special is that he truly cares about kids and their futures. He serves as a bridge and a pipeline for opportunities, always putting others in positions to succeed. He is a great example of what it means to be a good person, mentor, and leader. I'm grateful for everything he has done for me and the impact he continues to have on so many athletes.
I was able to meet Coach Marty Martens, my junior winter before I had any division football offers at a game day visit. And from that one interaction, we have built an incredible relationship through how amazing of a person Coach is. He helped me work hard to connect myself with many different division one coaches and I was blessed enough through hard work and his help to receive power 5 and other great division one offers. However, the offers is not what I built my…
Read the full noteI was able to meet Coach Marty Martens, my junior winter before I had any division football offers at a game day visit. And from that one interaction, we have built an incredible relationship through how amazing of a person Coach is. He helped me work hard to connect myself with many different division one coaches and I was blessed enough through hard work and his help to receive power 5 and other great division one offers. However, the offers is not what I built my relationship with Coach Martens over, he genuinely cares about you as a person and seeing you succeed on and off the field. He's one of the most supportive people I've been around in the Football world.
Coach Martens made the biggest positive impact on my highschool football recruiting experience and success. He gave me exposure and connections to division 1 programs from a young age that gave me life changing success as a highschool recruit. I wouldn't have the subsequent life long connections and multiple College degrees that I have today if it wasn't for Coach Martens help during the recruiting process.
Hello, my name is Elise Kanda, and I am a linebacker at Saginaw Valley State University. I first met Coach Martens during my freshman year of high school when he was my weightlifting teacher. Initially, I thought that Coach Martens was scary since he maintained very strict standards for everybody. As I've matured, I've gained a real appreciation for his methods. He ran the weight room with discipline and purpose, ensuring it was a productive environment where real progress…
Read the full noteHello, my name is Elise Kanda, and I am a linebacker at Saginaw Valley State University. I first met Coach Martens during my freshman year of high school when he was my weightlifting teacher. Initially, I thought that Coach Martens was scary since he maintained very strict standards for everybody. As I've matured, I've gained a real appreciation for his methods. He ran the weight room with discipline and purpose, ensuring it was a productive environment where real progress was made. I can clearly see the results today.
Although Coach Martens was in charge of the weight room, his impact went far beyond that. He was passionate about the success of the football program, and it is difficult to think of the football program without Coach Martens. Around my sophomore year, before I had even became a varsity starter, Coach Martens began introducing me to college coaches. He saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself. By my junior year, I had developed into a highly recognized player, but Coach Martens had already believed in me long before that point. I am incredibly grateful for everything he has done for me from taking me on visits to helping me gain exposure to college programs. I genuinely believe I would not be where I am today without his guidance and connections. He has an incredible network and consistently goes out of his way to help his players get noticed. More importantly, Coach Martens cares not just about the athlete, but about the person each player becomes. Whether it was football, academics, or life in general, he consistently stressed the importance of focus, academic achievement, and the pursuit of a goal. His influence on my life went past athletics, and I will remain forever grateful for his guidance.
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for everything you've done for me, both on and off the football field. Being coached by you has meant more to me than I can really put into words. From the very beginning, you believed in me and pushed me to become the best version of myself. You didn't just teach me how to play football, you taught me discipline, toughness, and what it means to truly be committed to something bigger than yourself. Every practice, every game, and…
Read the full noteI just wanted to take a moment to thank you for everything you've done for me, both on and off the football field. Being coached by you has meant more to me than I can really put into words. From the very beginning, you believed in me and pushed me to become the best version of myself. You didn't just teach me how to play football, you taught me discipline, toughness, and what it means to truly be committed to something bigger than yourself. Every practice, every game, and every conversation we've had has helped shape me into the player and person I am today.
One of the things I'll always appreciate the most are the trips we took together. Those moments weren't just about being recruited for football they were about building memories, bonding as a team, and growing closer. Whether it was long bus rides, hotel stays, or just being in new universities, those experiences are something I'll carry with me forever. They made the journey so much more meaningful.
I'm also incredibly grateful for all the work you put into helping me get recruited. You opened doors for me that I wouldn't have been able to open on my own. The connections you made, the schools you reached out to, and the belief you had in my ability truly changed my life. Because of you, I've had opportunities that once felt out of reach.
More than anything, thank you for always keeping it real with me. I'm proud to say that this is a bond I know I'll have forever thank you coach!!
I wouldn't be where I am right now without coach Martens. From my 8th grade summer until i graduated Marty was right there with me every step of the way, pushing me to be my best. Martens is a great leader and an even better human being, he saw something in me that i couldn't see in myself. I had such an amazing experience in high-school and Coach was a big part of that, he took me on my first ever visit and introduced me to the world of college football. I am eternally…
Read the full noteI wouldn't be where I am right now without coach Martens. From my 8th grade summer until i graduated Marty was right there with me every step of the way, pushing me to be my best. Martens is a great leader and an even better human being, he saw something in me that i couldn't see in myself. I had such an amazing experience in high-school and Coach was a big part of that, he took me on my first ever visit and introduced me to the world of college football. I am eternally thankful for Coach Martens and everything I have learned from him!
Coach Martens helped me tremendously with my football recruiting journey. His understanding of the recruiting process, along with the endless connections he's built with coaches and programs, truly makes him one of a kind. He knows what it takes to get athletes noticed and does an exceptional job guiding players in the right direction.
Read the full noteCoach Martens helped me tremendously with my football recruiting journey. His understanding of the recruiting process, along with the endless connections he's built with coaches and programs, truly makes him one of a kind. He knows what it takes to get athletes noticed and does an exceptional job guiding players in the right direction.
What stands out most is how much he genuinely cares. He takes the time to help you improve and makes sure you're putting yourself in the best position to succeed at the next level.
I can confidently say he is trustworthy, dedicated, and committed to helping athletes reach their goals. Coach Martens is the best guy for any player committed to making it to the next level.
Working with Marty really helped me through the recruiting process. He gave me great advice and was someone I could always trust. I never doubted his ability to build relationships with coaches and players. I enjoyed every second working with him and couldn't thank him enough for everything he's done for me.
Coach Martens changed the way I viewed recruiting, giving me all the information I needed in order to get recruited and eventually be a scholarship athlete. Without him I wouldn't be where I am today.
1 note
Recruiting Media
I have had a chance to see Coach Martens work with athletes for over a decade now. He is extremely dedicated to the cause of giving young athletes the best opportunities possible, and as a strength coach, was very diligent about building them into the types of athletes who gained those opportunities through not only talent but hard work. He allow them to get a taste of what it takes to succeed in college through strength and conditioning. From there, he worked tirelessly to…
Read the full noteI have had a chance to see Coach Martens work with athletes for over a decade now. He is extremely dedicated to the cause of giving young athletes the best opportunities possible, and as a strength coach, was very diligent about building them into the types of athletes who gained those opportunities through not only talent but hard work. He allow them to get a taste of what it takes to succeed in college through strength and conditioning. From there, he worked tirelessly to build contacts with college staff. He spent endless hours on the road, going to clinics and meeting with Staff. They have grown to trust him because he provides them with organized information, but he is also a straight shooter who advocates for his athletes without breaking the trust of the college coaches through any kind of smoke and mirrors. He has never made it about him, and even now, this is a labor of love for him that he just can't put down and those are the types of people we need in this space.
All 28 notes were supplied by the people who wrote them and are published with their names attached. They appear as written, apart from correcting misspellings of his surname.
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