DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) – The winningest coach in NCAA men’s soccer history, who has spent nearly 50 years coaching in central Ohio, announced his retirement Wednesday.
After 47 years, Jay Martin, who has led the Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops to 762 victories, will hang it up after the 2024 season the school announced.
Martin boasts a .797 winning percentage leading up to the fall season. That number ranks 14th overall in NCAA and fifth within the Division III ranks. Under his guidance, the Battling Bishops won national championships in 1998 and 2011 and reached the national semifinals nine times with two runner-up finishes.
His teams also set an NCAA record with 18 consecutive Division III tournament appearances between 1978 and 1995. Martin also earned the NCAA Regional Coach of the Year 16 times and the NSCAA National Coach of the Year in 1991, 1998 and 2011.
In 2020, Martin was inducted into the United Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame.
Jay Martin, Ohio Wesleyan soccer coach, announced his retirement after 47 years, effective after the 2024 season. (Courtesy/Ohio Wesleyan Athletics Department) 
Jay Martin, Ohio Wesleyan soccer coach, announced his retirement after 47 years, effective after the 2024 season. (Courtesy/Ohio Wesleyan Athletics Department)
Martin, who began his tenure in 1977, will continue as full professor at the univeristy’s department of health and human kinetics. Associate head coach Matt Weiss will replace Martin at the conclusion of the season.
The Battling Bishops will open the 2024 season Aug. 30 against Mount Union at the Jay Martin Soccer Complex. The school also announced it will honor Martin at future events throughout the season.
