The girls basketball program at Venice will be under new leadership next season.
Jeremy Martin — the program’s head man since the 2019-20 campaign — stepped down as head coach last week, ending his tenure with a 76-46 record.
“It’s been awesome to grow this program,” Martin said. “To see the interest in girls basketball really grow with these kids and to have had the success we’ve had has been great. I’ve definitely gotten sad thinking about it at times, but I think this is the right time for me.”
A former college basketball player at Kent State and a coach in Ohio, Martin has been coaching athletics at Venice High for 15 years.
During his time with the Indians, Martin coached varsity and junior varsity boys basketball, track and boys volleyball, in addition to girls basketball.
“I love the school to death,” Martin said. “I loved every minute of it, and that community really did everything they could to help support me. If I’m not at Venice, I’m nowhere. I don’t really see myself coaching anywhere else.”
When Martin took over the girls basketball program, the team had combined to go just 12-36 over the previous two seasons.
Under Martin, Venice’s win total slowly increased each year.
The Indians have finished above .500 record during the past four seasons, earning back-to-back district championships in 2022-23 and 2023-24. Additionally, Venice advanced to the Class 7A regional finals this past season before falling to state power Winter Haven.
Currently, Venice’s roster is in perfect shape for a new coach to jump in and extend the success.
“I wanted to leave the program in a good place,” Martin said. “It’ll be a perfect opportunity for whoever comes in. The foundation is built, the culture is there, and the success isn’t going to go away, because it’s all built on the kids.
“We’re senior-heavy right now, and I think the next few freshman classes coming up are going to be really good. I’m excited to get the chance to watch these kids play from a different perspective.”
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