Tom Martin: 2025 PCA Coach of the Year National Winner presented by TeamSnap

What sets “Marty,” as he is affectionately known by his athletes, apart is how effortless the friendships and camaraderie grow among teammates under his guidance. Somehow, without being overly sentimental, Marty’s daily anecdotes and actions showcase the importance of showing up for friends, being helpful without a request, and having a light-hearted attitude toward stress.

Students often begin their running journey at Walter Johnson High School unsure of the sport or whether they want to work hard enough to be competitive. Marty maintains that fun must be at the heart of this journey, and responsibility simply comes along with the fun. He has been referred to as the “Yoda” of the Walter Johnson running community. When a timid and novice athlete joins the cross-country team, they often finish a high school career with confidence and strong performances. Somehow, athletes know that their well-being matters above everything else with Marty. Athletes begin to work harder and care more about their effort and performance because he cares about them, whether they win or not.

Marty has a profound belief in each and every runner. He senses their moods instantly, and because he cares about so much more than just running, he always wants to know how other things are in your life. If you’re having a bad day, he does not try to fix it, but instead just listens.

Coach Martin constantly emphasizes the importance of having fun. He wants running to be a lifelong sport, and he wants his athletes to have positive memories from their time at Walter Johnson