DUNNELLON, FL (352today.com) – Sean Martin is an encourager, uplifting his teammates and making them better, leading through love.
Born in Massachusetts, he relocated to Florida when he was in the second grade. After his freshman year at Lecanto High School, he moved to Dunnellon. That proved to be a life altering event for Martin, who has now been recruited by NCAA Division 1 schools, with Ivy League Schools being among those showing interest in the three-sport athlete.
“When I came here my sophomore year, it changed my life tremendously. That was a big transition in my life, and I began to get closer with God,” said Martin. “Coming to Dunnellon, really inspired me and kind of pushed me to meet people like Pastor Tom Golden and the community at River Life Church.”
On Friday at the River Life Church in Dunnellon, Martin made a big decision in front of family, friends, coaches, teammates and school administrators. He signed a letter of intent, committing to play for Eastern Michigan University in the fall of 2025.
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Dunnellon High School’s (DHS) rising senior will be playing on both sides of the ball this fall for the Tigers as running back, wide receiver, cornerback and safety.
Martin says the coaching staff, faculty and counselors at DHS created an environment conducive for him to be at his best, not only athletically but academically.
“I’ll say this until the day I die, I think they’re the best of the best,” said Martin. “At the end of the day, football comes to an end. It’s not going to last your entire life. I think the coaches do a great job balancing having us become great football players but becoming great men.”
Martin’s coaches have been witnesses to his growth, recognizing his promise and potential.
“Anytime a player commits to go and further their education, while using football to do that is always big,” said Tommy Sutton, Dunnellon High School head football coach. “Sean, in 18 years in Dunnellon, is the best leader we’ve ever had, encouraging, uplifting, making other people better. Sean checks all those boxes.”
“I pray before and after every game, everybody could see his light shining through me. That’s really my goal, to use my athletic ability, to preach the Gospel and share the good news that saved my life.” -Sean Martin
His performance on the gridiron transcends his play on the field.
“With football, my primary goal is to glorify God,” said Martin. “That’s my worship on the field. I like to worship God and exalt his name.”
Those leadership qualities that have earned the respect of his coaches, teammates, fellow students and school administrators, speak of the quality of his character, but it’s his commitment to his faith that resonates sonorously on the gridiron, hardwood and school track, echoing powerfully.
“I try to uplift them and lead with love. A big role model in my life and who I try to model my life after is Jesus Christ,” said Martin. “He led with love, and I think that’s just the best way to do it, to lead with love. So, I try to lead with the young guys and the guys in my grade with love. Love first, just to make sure that they’re okay. You have to be a little harder to push them, but you have to lead them in their own individual way.”
