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In this episode of the 2025 Coaching Changes Series, we welcome John Martin back to Emporia State as the program's new head baseball coach. Martin, an alumnus and former coach, discusses the excitement of returning to his alma mater, a move that brings him and his family closer to home. He reflects on his time away and the experiences that prepared him for this new role.

Coach Martin talks about the challenge of inheriting a roster and the fast-paced process of getting to know his new team and staff. He describes his coaching philosophy as an effort to take "a bunch of puzzle pieces" and fit them together, a process that happens through a lot of competition and adversity. He emphasizes that a strong culture is built on selflessness, where every player is committed to the team's shared goal.

Looking ahead, Martin is focused on building depth across the roster and recruiting players who are committed to working hard and competing every day. He expresses his excitement about the program's strong alumni network and its tradition of winning. He also highlights the importance of the team's facilities, including a full turf field, which allows them to practice consistently regardless of the weather. Above all, Martin wants his team to play a fun, hard-nosed style of baseball that will make the community proud.