By: Quin Smith / Cumberlands Sports Information
WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – University of the Cumberlands Athletic Director Chris Kraftick has announced the promotion of Jared Martin to Head Coach of the Patriots baseball program on Wednesday. Martin becomes the fifth head coach in program history.
"Jared Martin embodies everything we want in a leader for our baseball program," said Director of Athletics Chris Kraftick. "He has dedicated the past decade to helping elevate Patriot Baseball into one of the premier programs in the NAIA, and his impact on our student-athletes and culture has been tremendous. Jared's passion for the University of the Cumberlands, his experience as both a former standout player and coach, and his proven track record of success at the national level make him the ideal person to lead our program into the future. We are excited to officially name him the next head coach of Patriot Baseball."
Martin takes over the Patriots program after spending the past 11 seasons on the Cumberlands coaching staff, serving as an Assistant Coach and Associate Head Coach. Throughout his tenure, Martin has played a vital role in the development of the Patriots infielders and hitters while also establishing himself as one of the top recruiters in the country.
During Martin's time on staff, the Patriots have reached unprecedented success on the national stage, including three consecutive NAIA World Series appearances in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Cumberlands also captured four consecutive MSC Regular Season titles. For his efforts, Martin was named the Mid-South Conference Assistant Coach of the Year twice, earning the honor in 2022 and 2024.
"I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the University of the Cumberlands Baseball program," said Coach Martin. "This opportunity means a great deal to me because Cumberlands is my home. I have seen firsthand the standard of excellence that has been built here and the impact this program has on so many players and families."
A familiar face to the Patriots program, Martin returned to Cumberlands following his graduation in 2014 where he earned a Bachelor degree in Exercise & Sports Science and Public Health. While coaching at UC, Martin also completed his Master of Arts in Teaching degree.
Before beginning his collegiate career, Martin starred at Harrison County High School where he helped lead the program to the 2010 KHSAA State Championship during his senior season. He earned numerous honors during his prep career including First Team All-State, 10th Region Player of the Year, and selection to the East/West All-Star Game.
As a student-athlete at Cumberlands from 2010-2014, Martin put together one of the most accomplished playing careers in program history. He is third in career games played with 213 and ranks fifth all-time in career hits with 229 while sitting seventh in program history in career doubles with 48.
Martin finished his collegiate career with a .318 batting average and 130 RBI while collecting several conference and national honors. He was named the 2011 Mid-South Conference Freshman of the Year, earned All-MSC First Team honors in 2011, All-MSC Second Team honors in 2014, and was recognized as the 2014 Gold Glove winner at third base.
Following his playing career at UC, Martin signed professionally with the Schaumburg Boomers of the Frontier League for the 2014 season.
"I want to thank Dr. Young, Coach Chris Kraftick and Coach Brad Shelton for putting their trust in me to lead this program. I have big shoes to fill, but I have got to see first-hand for the last 15 years how it should be done. I also want to thank my wife, Brandy, for all of her sacrifices she has made throughout my coaching journey and her unwavering support. Brandy and I love this University, the community, and we are excited to build on the tradition, relationships and culture that makes Cumberlands Baseball so special."