Bulldog student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, and friends,

Now having spent more than 40 years in intercollegiate athletics, one would think the breadth of my experiences would provide the words and answers for every challenge we encounter.  The reality is, in the present moment, nothing could be further from the truth.

The recent senseless deaths of George Floyd and others have brought unimaginable grief and pain to so many, especially to our African American community.  A core value of Bulldog Athletics is "respect for all."  The social injustice, discrimination, and racism that plagues our country is in conflict with this value and the collective community we strive to create.  We must all find a way to be better today than we were yesterday.  In the end, the solution embodies the very teamwork that is so often an important element of our success in sports and in life. 

We must be unified in our commitment to the work that makes change happen.  Work that makes our world better, richer, wiser, and just.  It is our shared responsibility as coaches, staff, and student-athletes to listen to each other, to be heard by all, and to make a difference for the greater good. We don't have all the answers, but we must certainly be a part of the solution.

I am committed to providing leadership and looking forward to sharing this important work with each of you.  

Yours in solidarity,

Jeff Martinez

Director of Athletics