Ryan Martin’s coaching career isn’t defined by trophies; it’s defined by the players and people he’s helped shape. A UEFA A and USSF Pro Licensed Head Coach, he’s spent the past five years turning Loudoun United FC into one of the most respected player development programs in North America. Since taking the helm in 2019, his focus on resilience, preparation, and individual growth has launched 19 players into the MLS, earning nine D.C. United Homegrown contracts, sent multiple players to top European leagues, and saw four of his former players compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Along the way, he’s coached talents like England international Jack Harrison, U.S. Men’s National Team winger Kevin Paredes, and rising star Griffin Yow.
Before Loudoun, Martin rebuilt the D.C. United Academy as its Director, driving more than $10.5 million in academy player sales and creating a clear path from youth soccer to the pros. His journey has taken him through some of the top environments in North American soccer, with roles at FC Cincinnati, Columbus Crew SC, Toronto FC, and Wake Forest University, where he helped guide the team to the 2007 NCAA Championship.
What sets Martin apart is how he blends the tactical with the personal. He’s as invested in a player’s mindset as their first touch, and he designs training and video sessions that meet each player where they are. His impact goes beyond players too; with staff he’s mentored (like Luis Guevarra) going on to win Olympic gold with the U.S. Women’s National Team. Whether preparing a teenager for their pro debut or leading a team into a big match, Martin’s goal stays the same: help people reach a higher level in the game and in life.
Our Exclusive Interview with Ryan Martin
Who is Ryan Martin outside of football, and what experiences have shaped the way you lead?
I am a new father to a three-month-old and live with my wife Zoë and dog in Washington, D.C. We enjoy cycling, golf, traveling, live sports, and cooking when we can.
It’s hard to pinpoint one or two key experiences for me but I try to take leadership ideas from various coaches, business leaders, books, podcasts and anywhere I can.
Personally, I think leadership starts with my personal values, so my first objective is to live according to those. I have also gained leadership experience from actions and reflections, these lessons have come from wins and losses, dealing with locker room issues, managing up, individual conversations, and clarity of communication.
When I look back at my leadership five years ago, it’s incredible how far I have developed and grown. I believe it all stems from a desire to grow, reflecting on experiences, and living with my personal values.
How did your journey in coaching begin, and what were the key moments that set you on this path?
My journey in coaching began from day one—I grew up with a coach—my father Jay Martin. He coached both soccer and lacrosse at the time at Ohio Wesleyan University. Fast forward to 2025 and he just retired as the all-time winningest coach in college soccer history.
I grew up always knowing I wanted to coach and play for as long as I could but was limited physically. As I grew up, I would always ask my dad about how he made team selections and his game plans. I was fortunate to play one season in Salt Lake, and I would always write down the training sessions after and reflect on what I liked and didn’t. So, from an early age I was always preparing to coach.
I started coaching full time in 2007 when I joined the staff at Wake Forest. Thankfully, the journey has brought me to the Columbus Crew, FC Cincinnati, D.C. United, and Loudoun United. I have also been fortunate to visit many countries for the game. I have been quite lucky, but I also believe I have made my own luck by working hard and always looking for ways to improve.
What was your vision when you took over at Loudoun United FC in 2019, and how has it evolved over time?
When I started in 2019, I was coming in from the Academy Director at D.C. United and Loudoun were just starting as the second team to D.C. United. So, this was my opportunity to really take the top players from the Academy and help them get to D.C. United. It was the opportunity to bridge the gap in development between youth and first team football.
Then in 2024, a new majority owner took over Loudoun and there is now more of a balance between winning and development. This season we are currently in third place and have three talented players under 22 that we think have bright futures, so we are on the right path.
Which players or success stories stand out most to you from your years in player development?
I have been fortunate to have played a role in several players’ journey including Kevin Paredes (Wolfsburg), Griffin Yow (Westerlo), Bryang Kayo (OH Leuven), Matai Akinmboni (Bournemouth) and Ted Ku-Dipietro (Colorado Rapids) to name a few.
The thing that sticks out the most to me and probably the most important is the relationship I still have with all of them. In the past two months everyone I listed above have come back to attend a Loudoun game and stayed after to say hello. For me, this is the special part of helping a young player’s journey!
Who have been the biggest influences on your coaching philosophy, and what lessons have they passed on to you?
I have taken something from almost everyone I have worked with but have been fortunate to have four fantastic mentors in my journey.
The first is my father, Jay Martin, who is the all-time winningest coach in college soccer history. He coached for 45+ years at Ohio Wesleyan University, and I took a lot from him on how to build a culture and how to incorporate mental training to help individual players’ mindsets.
Second would be the Head Coach of the University of Pittsburgh, Jay Vidovich, who I coached at Wake Forest with for nine years. We recruited Jack Harrison and won the National Title in 2007. With him it was where the building blocks of my game model training, and coaching methodology started and the importance of supporting the individual to help improve team performance.
The Third is former U.S. international John Harkes, who I worked with at FC Cincinnati. We built the team from scratch to finish third in the inaugural season. I learned a masterclass on man management, how important time with each player is, and how to have hard conversations.
Lastly, and most recently is Cody Royle, who is an author but is really my coach or “second set of eyes” (as his book is called). He helps me from everything on my processes and structures, speaking and presenting to the team, helping with the leadership group, and helping me be my best self on game day. He does this by helping me control the narrative and plan recovery so I can be my best self.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next stage of your coaching career?
In the short term I would love to help Loudoun make the playoffs and a run at a trophy, which we are currently on a path for. In the long term my dream would be to coach abroad. I did my UEFA A with the FAI, I am currently learning a second language, and just focusing on growing as a coach and person, and hopefully some doors will open!