Luc Martin
Director of Admissions, Director of Summer Programs, Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach
Idaho State University, BA
email: luc.martin [at] sonomaacademy.org
phone: (707) 636-2476
Idaho State University, BA
email: luc.martin [at] sonomaacademy.org
phone: (707) 636-2476
The story of Luc finding his way to Sonoma Academy is almost like a fairy tale. “I was living just down the hill from campus, and I would run around the neighborhood in the evenings,” he says. “One night, I ran all the way up to the top of the campus stairs and looked around. I couldn’t believe the view and the campus. I knew it was a school, but didn’t know anything else. When I got home, I checked out the employment page on the website. I applied for the Admissions Associate job and was hired soon after that!” Luc has been spreading the word about our school ever since, and in his time here, he has shaped not only future classes, but the culture and program at Sonoma Academy.
Luc was born in Nebraska and raised in Washington and Idaho, one of five brothers. “We were all big tall dudes, football players!” he says. In fact, Luc played quarterback and tight end throughout his school years and went on to play at Idaho State University. His first job out of college was working in sales and marketing for a beverage distributor. “It was really hard work!” he says, but it was a position that helped him develop his natural people skills. He also worked as a marketing manager for a company that sold and recycled used books.
It was at Sonoma Academy that Luc really hit his stride. Since he joined the Admissions team in 2011, Luc has had the opportunity to grow in his Admissions responsibilities, to coach basketball, to manage a team of student “All-Stars,” and to develop a brand new program, our Summer @ SA camp program. “It’s been an amazing opportunity to take ownership of a big project, and it’s awesome to get kids to come to this powerful, inspiring place for a great summer experience,” he says. “Plus, it’s a nice change of pace.”
Luc loves coaching the Boys Varsity Basketball team, which he’s been doing since 2014. Under his leadership, the team has gone from “the bad news Bears” to the fierce competitor Coyotes we know today. “I have worked really hard to change the culture of the basketball team, and to instill pride and competitive spirit in the team,” says Luc. “There has been a big shift, and we now have two league championships to prove it!”
Outside of school, Luc enjoys spending time with his family, especially listening to music and cooking. “Pizza is my specialty, and my kids like to help!” he says. He’s also always active: working out, spending time outdoors, and coaching his kids’ sports teams.
When he’s thinking about the things that make Sonoma Academy special, it’s easy for Luc to come up with a long list. “The people are so great,” he says, “and my day is just filled with chances to talk to cool people.” He has also learned a lot about himself from the students at our school. “In an interview, one student once said, ‘here, I have learned that I love scaring myself.’ That is something that the adults here can learn, too! Taking risks is exciting and it helps us grow.”
In an interview, one student once said, ‘here, I have learned to love scaring myself.’ That is something that the adults here can learn, too!
Sonoma Academy Is...
...the only private, independent, college preparatory high school in Sonoma County. On our beautiful campus nestled at the base of Taylor Mountain in Southeastern Santa Rosa, our students are able to explore their interests and passions in a rigorous and inspiring environment that develops a lifelong love of learning and prepares them for college and beyond.
Sonoma Academy admits students of any race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, citizenship, gender or gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or disability, to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, citizenship, gender or gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
