NCCAA Hall of Fame coach Jody Martinez begins his second season with the Fire in 2015-16.

During his first year, the Fire made their first appearance in the NAIA National Tournament. The 3-point shot was the key ingredient in the trip to Sioux City, Iowa; the Fire were second in NAIA Division II in 3-pointers made (400), and were fifth in 3-point percentage (.359). In his debut season, Martinez guided the Fire to a 25-7 overall record and a 16-2 mark in The Sun Conference, earning the league’s Coach of the Year honor.

On January 27th, Martinez recorded his 400th career victory with an 85-44 win over Trinity Baptist College.

Prior to Southeastern, Martinez was the head women’s basketball coach at Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana. During his 16 seasons with the Lady Pilots, Martinez accumulated a record of 384-180. Under Martinez, Bethel made seven NAIA National Tournament appearances, finishing in the Elite 8 five times (2001, 2005, 2007, 2008, and 2013). Bethel also won three Crossroads League Championships (2001, 2008, and 2009) and claimed the conference tournament title in 2008. He also aided in the development of 49 All-Conference players, 15 NAIA All-Americans, and 42 NAIA Scholar-Athletes.

Martinez was named the Crossroads League Coach of the Year four times, and was a six-time NCCAA I National Coach of the Year. The Lady Pilots also won six NCCAA National Championships during his tenure.

As a player, Martinez finished his playing career as the Bethel’s leader in points, rebounds, blocks, steals, field goal percentage, and games played. Still, all of his marks remain in the top 10. His 1,728 rebounds remain the program’s best.