Play From Your Heart is the memoir of Scott Martin, a rising college soccer coach whose life was forever changed by a rare, flesh-eating bacterial infection that led to the amputation of both hands and parts of his feet. Once defined by athleticism and passion for the game, Martin faced not only survival but the challenge of reclaiming his identity, purpose, and place in the world.
The book opens with the raw aftermath of his illness, as Martin struggles with basic daily tasks, grieves lost abilities, and confronts waves of frustration and uncertainty. Through perseverance, humor, and sheer determination, he gradually rebuilds his life. Over a twenty-five-year journey, Martin navigates medical, legal, and emotional battles, illustrating both the pain of loss and the resilience of the human spirit.
After leaving competitive soccer, Martin found new purpose as a father, adopting five children from Romania and Ethiopia. Later, he returned to coaching, leading a team of underdog twelve-year-olds—the “soccer rats.” Despite his physical limitations, he adapted and thrived, channeling his experiences to teach lessons in courage, teamwork, and heart. Under his guidance, the team achieved an undefeated state championship—a triumph symbolizing endurance, spirit, and the power of love and determination over limitation.
Marked by honesty and humor, Martin’s story never romanticizes suffering. Soccer becomes a metaphor for life itself: unpredictable, demanding, and at times cruel, yet capable of beauty, redemption, and profound growth.
Play From Your Heart is a story of perseverance, identity, and the human spirit, showing that true victory lies not in physical ability but in the courage to keep moving forward.