Clarissa (Coach Clary) Martinez
Clarissa Martinez describes herself as “an extra small human” with a “monster mentality.”
“It’s not size,” she said, “but the strength of your ambition and determination that define your success.”
Martinez is helping young athletes excel on and off the court through Dallas Elite Athletics, an organization that she and her husband, Chris, founded after they saw the need for a program that focused not just on developing athletic ability, but also on nurturing young athletes’ characters and life skills.
“I wanted to create a place where athletes could grow both on and off the court, where their potential would be nurtured and where their hard work would be celebrated,” Martinez explained.
The family started small, with a coaching program for their 4-year-old son. Today, Dallas Elite Athletics is a multi-sport, multi-team program, and the son they once coached plays on the nation’s top-ranked basketball team for the class of 2029.
At Dallas Elite Athletics, Martinez focuses on volleyball, a sport where she excelled at the high school and collegiate levels, while her husband concentrates on basketball. Martinez also balances her business with being the mother of three.
“I believe sports provide a unique opportunity to inspire personal growth, confidence, and a strong sense of community,” she said. “My vision is to create an environment where young athletes can develop their skills, push their limits, and gain the confidence to succeed both in sports and in life.”
What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
I am proud of the strong volleyball program we are building, where we see our athletes improve and succeed both in sports and in life. Creating a positive and supportive environment cultivates an atmosphere where athletes and colleagues feel supported, encouraged, and challenged. Developing as a mentor and leader is a rewarding accomplishment as I see our athletes and colleagues succeed because of my guidance.
If you could buy a book (or rent a movie) for your neighbor, what would it be and why?
A movie I would share with a neighbor is Remember the Titans. I love true and raw situations of overcoming adversity through sports. There are so many lessons to learn through this movie.
What (or who) motivated you to get involved in the community?
My coaches as a young athlete not only pushed me to excel on the field, but they also motivated me to get involved in the community. They taught that true leadership and success aren’t just about individual achievements, but about using your skills and platform to make a positive impact on others. Their guidance inspired me to give back, build connections, and help others grow — both in and out of the game.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first true job following graduating from college began with teaching middle school science, where I first officially began coaching middle and high school sports. I’ve learned that teaching and coaching are not just about imparting knowledge or developing skills; they’re about building relationships, fostering trust, and creating an environment where students/athletes feel supported and encouraged to grow. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how sports can teach life lessons like resilience, teamwork, and responsibility, while also helping students build confidence and work toward their goals. I’ve also developed a deeper understanding of how each student learns and how to adapt my approach to meet their individual needs, whether it’s in the classroom or on the field. The experience has shown me the importance of being patient, flexible, and consistent in motivating young athletes and students to reach their full potential.
Where do you see yourself and/or your career 10 years from now?
In 10 years, I envision my program being a respected leader in youth sports development, known for fostering not only skilled athletes but well-rounded individuals who excel both on and off the court. I aim to create a strong sustainable program that provides opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels to grow, compete, and succeed. Personally, I see myself continuing to lead the club with a clear vision, while expanding its reach and impact, possibly adding new locations or partnerships, and offering a broader range of services. I also hope to be recognized as a mentor and advocate for the development of young athletes and coaches in the volleyball community, with a reputation for excellence, integrity, and dedication to the sport.
What’s on your bucket list?
My bucket list consists of traveling and adventuring in the most beautiful places on earth. Hiking, swimming, and flying to see some of God’s most beautiful creations.
What was your toughest business or personal challenge?
My toughest challenge is managing the balance between being a business owner and a mother of three. Running a volleyball club requires a significant amount of time and energy — whether it’s overseeing operations, coaching, or ensuring the success and growth of the club. At the same time, I want to be fully present for my children, supporting them in their own activities and making sure I’m there for their milestones. Finding that harmony between being a dedicated entrepreneur and a hands-on, engaged mom is an ongoing challenge. There are times when both aspects of my life demand attention, and it can be difficult to give each one the focus it deserves. However, I’ve learned to prioritize, set boundaries, and rely on the support of my family and team to make it all work, even though it’s never easy.
How do you motivate yourself and others?
Motivating myself and others requires a blend of inspiration, accountability, and encouragement.
- Embracing the Challenge: It’s a constant self-reminder of the importance of the journey, not just the destination. Every practice, every challenge, and every setback is an opportunity for growth, both for you as a coach and as a person. Embracing the challenges keeps me motivated to push forward.
- Staying focused on my “WHY”— Reconnecting with why I started coaching in the first place: to help others achieve their full potential. Whether it’s the joy of seeing an athlete improve or your own growth as a leader, focusing on this deeper purpose helps me stay energized and focused.
- Celebrating progress, not perfection — Recognizing that every small step toward improvement is worth celebrating. Whether it’s a breakthrough moment for an athlete or a personal achievement, acknowledging these milestones keeps me motivated to keep improving.
- The way I motivate others includes guiding them to set clear goals and expectations. Leading with encouragement and reinforcing positivity, especially in moments of struggle, helps others maintain belief and confidence. When athletes believe in themselves, they’re more than likely to give their best effort.
- Fostering a growth mindset where setbacks are a part of their process and not a sign of failure and viewing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow make them more resilient and willing to put in the work to improve.
- Showing passion and enthusiasm is contagious and brings excitement to every step along the way. When athletes see how passionate I am about their growth, they’ll be more motivated to follow my lead and work hard to achieve their own goals.
What was your “lightbulb moment” that led you to your career?
My lightbulb moment came when I realized that there was a gap in the sports community — a need for a program that not only focuses on developing athletic skills, but also on nurturing young athletes’ characters and life skills. I had seen first-hand how sports could empower kids, teach them resilience, and build confidence, but I also saw how limited opportunities were for some players to truly thrive in a supportive, structured environment. I wanted to create a place where athletes could grow both on and off the court, where their potential would be nurtured and where their hard work would be celebrated. That’s when I decided to start my own program, with a vision to provide a space where young athletes could achieve their fullest potential in sports and life.
What’s a fun fact that someone wouldn’t know about you?
I am an extra small human, who has always propelled through sports and life with a monster mentality, showing that it’s not size but the strength of your ambition and determination that define your success. I’ve never let my stature limit me, but have allowed my fierce mentality to inspire others to push beyond their limits and lead with confidence. I feel as though my story is a great example of how mindset can overcome physical constraints!
What would you tell an 18-year-old you?
Remember that the true measure of success is not just in what you achieve, but in the impact you have on others. There is nothing worth having if you’re not loving, lifting, and building up those around you. The relationships you cultivate, the lives you touch, and the way you support others will define the journey. Stay grounded in that truth, and success will not only be about what you accomplish, but how many people help you rise along the way.
What advice do you have for other young professionals?
“Trust the process, even when it feels like you’re starting from scratch. Every challenge you face now is shaping into the leader you need to be. Stay relentless, work harder than anyone else, and don’t be afraid to fail — those failures are your stepping stones. Your ambition will fuel your growth, but always remember to surround yourself with people who believe in your vision. You have the power to create something bigger than yourself, and every small step counts toward building the legacy you’re dreaming of. Keep pushing, stay true to your purpose and the success you want will follow.”
Is there anything else you think we should know about you?
My husband, Chris Martinez, also recognized for “Coach of the Year,” leads the basketball program within our sports organization (Dallas Elite Athletics), which we first started with our son. My son is now 14 years old on the #1 team in the Nation for the class of 2029. He is a phenomenal basketball player striving to achieve his own goals.
We are very proud of our achievements and the seeds we have planted as parents, as we watch our own children grow and reach some prestigious goals themselves at such a young age.
