Martez Kirkland to lead Fayetteville Christian boys’ basketball team
By Rodd Baxley
Staff writer
Posted May 8, 2020 at 11:20 AM
From Japan to Fayetteville, Martez Kirkland has made it his mission to be a positive influence in the lives of kids around the world.
Kirkland hopes to continue that mission as the boys’ basketball coach at Fayetteville Christian School, where he served as an assistant on Don Gardner’s staff before landing the head gig this week.
“I’m excited about having the opportunity to be able to develop meaningful relationships with my players and change the lives of many young men I will coach,” said Kirkland, who grew up in Detroit but graduated from high school in Japan as the son of a Marine.
“I have been able to do that for 22 years of my Army career and in numerous coaching positions. Now I have the opportunity to be able to teach and show the young men I coach what it means to be part of a cohesive team, and what it means to look out for your teammates and how to be a leader.
“Me and my talented coaching staff are excited about teaching them what a brotherhood is all about and if we can accomplish that, then we all have become winners in the game of life.”
A graduate of American University, Kirkland founded the TCA Pistons travel basketball organization in 2008 and worked as an assistant coach at Freedom Christian Academy before arriving at Fayetteville Christian.
Kirkland is set to replace Gardner, who coached the boys’ program for two seasons but will remain the girls’ basketball coach at FCS.
The Warriors, who are coming off an 8-18 campaign, had 12 upperclassmen on their 16-player roster, including six seniors.
“Coach Kirkland has a lot to bring the Warrior team — his knowledge of basketball will be a great addition,” said Leslie Snyder, Fayetteville Christian’s athletic director.
“Kirkland has shown his ability to connect to the players and lead the boys with his knowledge, passion, skills and faith. We are proud to have him lead our varsity boys’ team.”
Kirkland called the opportunity “humbling and exciting.”
“I want people to know I am a man of strong faith and love,” he said.
“I love seeing kids succeed and accomplish their dreams and goals. I bring a very detailed, structured approach that will teach players how to work hard, compete on and off the floor and how to overcome adversity.”
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com.
By Rodd Baxley
Staff writer
Posted May 8, 2020 at 11:20 AM
From Japan to Fayetteville, Martez Kirkland has made it his mission to be a positive influence in the lives of kids around the world.
Kirkland hopes to continue that mission as the boys’ basketball coach at Fayetteville Christian School, where he served as an assistant on Don Gardner’s staff before landing the head gig this week.
“I’m excited about having the opportunity to be able to develop meaningful relationships with my players and change the lives of many young men I will coach,” said Kirkland, who grew up in Detroit but graduated from high school in Japan as the son of a Marine.
“I have been able to do that for 22 years of my Army career and in numerous coaching positions. Now I have the opportunity to be able to teach and show the young men I coach what it means to be part of a cohesive team, and what it means to look out for your teammates and how to be a leader.
“Me and my talented coaching staff are excited about teaching them what a brotherhood is all about and if we can accomplish that, then we all have become winners in the game of life.”
A graduate of American University, Kirkland founded the TCA Pistons travel basketball organization in 2008 and worked as an assistant coach at Freedom Christian Academy before arriving at Fayetteville Christian.
Kirkland is set to replace Gardner, who coached the boys’ program for two seasons but will remain the girls’ basketball coach at FCS.
The Warriors, who are coming off an 8-18 campaign, had 12 upperclassmen on their 16-player roster, including six seniors.
“Coach Kirkland has a lot to bring the Warrior team — his knowledge of basketball will be a great addition,” said Leslie Snyder, Fayetteville Christian’s athletic director.
“Kirkland has shown his ability to connect to the players and lead the boys with his knowledge, passion, skills and faith. We are proud to have him lead our varsity boys’ team.”
Kirkland called the opportunity “humbling and exciting.”
“I want people to know I am a man of strong faith and love,” he said.
“I love seeing kids succeed and accomplish their dreams and goals. I bring a very detailed, structured approach that will teach players how to work hard, compete on and off the floor and how to overcome adversity.”
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com.
