Kirkland Martez

Martez Rafael Kirkland joined FTCC Athletics as the Assistant Women’s basketball coach in July 2022.

Kirkland, a native of Detroit, MI, and Military dependent while his father served in United States Marine Corps, during that time Kirkland had the opportunity to live abroad in Okinawa, Japan where he completed High School at Kubasaki High. Coach Kirkland began his coaching career at an early age of 18 coaching in the local recreation centers. In 2008 Kirkland Started and founded his own travel Basketball organization called True Champion Athletics (TCA).  Where he conducts in providing skill development and enhancement for grade school level players all the way to college.

 Coach Kirkland other coaching experience includes coaching at Freedom Christian Academy as the JV Girls Head Basketball coach and the Varsity Girls Assistant Coach, New Life Boys Assistant Varsity Coach. He then moved on to Fayetteville Technical Community College after a four-year stint as the boys’ and girls’ Varsity basketball assistant coach, and one year as the Boys’ Varsity basketball Head coach recording over total of 80 wins, earning conference Assistant coach of the year honors one time and assisted in leading the program to four conference championships, one tournament Championship and three state playoff appearances during his tenure.

Kirkland played one year at Vance Granville Community College, He then join the US Army where he had a 24-year career and retired as a Master Sergeant from 3D Brigade 82nd Airborne Division

Kirkland earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from Excelsior in 20007. He spent his time playing in Army leagues in Egypt, Korea and various Army base throughout his Army career. Coach Kirkland also was a contributor for Prep Girls Hoops.  Writing articles and covering talent in the local area.

Kirkland has three daughters, Alaniye, Amore’ and Ma’Joure’ Kirkland, and one son Jaden Kirkland

martezkirkland@gmail.com 910-922-0774