On February 10, 2023 the Tarleton football team lost a dearly beloved coach, resulting in a loss for all those who knew him. Marc Anthony Martinez, age 30, passed away leaving behind his wife and two children. Originally hired as a linebacker coach in 2016, Martinez was greatly admired by students and faculty alike as one could see through the celebration of his life on Feb. 16.  

Many student athletes’ social media and timelines were filled with heartfelt messages expressing their love for assistant coach Martinez. Many such as Elise Smith, Javelin thrower for Tarleton Track and Field, Breonna Campbell, sophomore sprinter, and Darius Cooper, sophomore Wide Receiver for Tarleton football, were just some who took to social media to show their love and appreciation. 

“This is a terrible day in the Texan football program. Coach Martinez was not only a great assistant coach, but he was a great leader, a great person, and a great friend. He has done an incredible job in helping boost this program to where it is today, and we’re beside ourselves that he is no longer with us. My heart breaks for his family, his wife Lacie, and his daughters Estella and Camilla. We miss him dearly,” Head Coach of the Tarleton football team, Todd Whitten expressed. 

Martinez is survived by his wife Lacie (Metts) Martinez whom he married on June 29, 2019, and their two daughters Estella, age five, and Camilla, eight months. His mother and father, Lisa and Roger Martinez; brothers, Matt (Grace) and Max. As well as his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandparents, friends, and students. 

He was born in Waco, Texas on October 19, 1992. Graduating from Midway High School in 2011, after which he began attending Tarleton majoring in Kinesiology and playing football. Martinez and his wife Lacie often worked out together, labeled fondly as gym junkies. He was known for his love of sports and sharing that love with his daughter Estella and showering his youngest with laughter and love. In college, he showcased his love of sports by being an integral part of the team’s win in the 2013 Lone Star Conference. He then graduated with his Master’s and rejoined the Tarleton family in 2016 as a Linebacker Coach. He loved playing golf with his brother, most weekends he would drive down to Waco for their sibling bonding and golfing matches. 

“It’s hard to find the words when we lose a valued member of the Tarleton athletics family, and to find out we lost coach Martinez this morning was devastating. Not only was he a treasured member of the Tarleton football coaching staff, he has been a treasured member of Tarleton athletics for the past 12 years. Marc will be remembered for his great servitude and for his tremendous career as a true Tarleton Texan. We will miss Marc, and we pray for all of his family and friends,” Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Lonn Reisman stated when he learned of Martinez’s passing. 

As a family man, coach, and sports enthusiast, Martinez was loved and cared for. Which was shown through his celebration of life on Feb. 16 at First Baptist Church. With Pastor Ed Dittfurth officiating, his burial followed at West End Cemetery. Martinez will be dearly missed by all of his loved ones, rest in peace coach. As he will always bleed purple.