MARTIN DAVIS
Author, Journalist, Coach
In one of sports movies greatest moments, Burt Lancaster playing the role of Moonlight Graham in "Field of Dreams," turns to Ray Kineslla and rebuffs his offer to leave his small Minnesota town to chase his dream of playing baseball again in far-off Iowa. Graham says of his town, "This is my most special place in all the world, Ray. Once a place touches you like this, the wind nevers blows so cold again."
Following a career in academics and journalism that has taken him across the United States and the globe, Martin is relishing life in Fredericksbug, Virginia, his "most special place in all the world."
Until recently, he was opinion page editor at The Free Lance-Star newspaper, where he wrote a daily editorial or column, Martin is engaged in a number of projects. His current writing interests include the restoration of civility in local communities, and q book project focused on how local journalism is the pathway to a more-tolerant society.
His first book, 30 Days with America's High School Coaches, was published in January 2022 and has received critical praise from academics, athletic directors, and everyday parents alike.
Over the course of his career, Martin's articles have appeared in a range of publications, including: Christian Science Monitor, PGA Tour Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, Philanthropy, Read the Spirit, and countless newspapers.
30 DAYS WITH AMERICA'S HIGH SCHOOL COACHES
January 20, 2022
High school coaches shape millions of lives. These 30 short and inspiring stories show the diversity of approaches by coaches nationwide in building athletes' hearts, minds and bodies to form successful teams, strong individuals and future leaders. The coaches profiled in this book come from every corner of the nation and every socio-economic setting, highlighting how they combine imagination, a selfless commitment to their athletes and a strong internal compass. In this book, you will find true stories of coaches who lead male and female athletes in a wide variety of sports.
MEDIA
News, Views and More
MARTIN DAVIS IS INTERVIEWED ON THE ATHLETIC DIRECTORS TOOL KIT PODCAST
MARTIN DAVIS IS INTERVIEWED ON THE SPORTS PHILANTHROPY NETWORK PODCAST
MARTIN DAVIS IS INTERVIEWED ON THE PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION TODAY SHOW
READ THE REVIEW OF MARTIN'S NEW BOOK IN THE FREE LANCE-STAR
SAMPLE ARTICLES
What follows are a sample of my writing for both the Free Lance-Star newspaper and the Christian Science Monitor. This site is currently be updated, so please watch for new materials appearing later this January.
COACHING
Kickers, Punters, and Longsnappers
For five years I was a special teams coach at Riverbend High School working with long-snappers, punters, place-kickers, and kick-off specialists. It's a topic I continue to be passionate about, and I look forward to hopefully returning to coaching at the high school level in the near future.
Learn more about what I do in practice and on game nights by listening in as I talk with Zach Davis, host of Mind of A Football Coach podcast, about the kicking game at the high school level.