EHS Pillars - Spring 2018

Bright Knights
TAYJON MARTIN '18
The Power of Patience
August 2005. That's when 5‐year‐old TayJon Martin began to comprehend the grace and power of patience.
Hurricane Katrina destroyed his family's New Orleans home and pitched him, his mom, brothers, and sister
into a nomad's life of bunking with relatives, starting new schools, and bouncing from Oklahoma to Georgia,
before landing in Houston in 2007. The moves were tough, but Martin taught himself to be patient and to
believe that things happen for a reason. He knew he would do better than simply survive in life—he would
thrive.
During middle school in the Cy‐Fair district, Martin's athletic prowess lit up the football field and basketball
court, and he quickly realized that those talents could lead to a college scholarship.
To reach his full potential as a scholar‐athlete, Martin researched area coaches and high schools. "Coach
Jones and Coach Leisz are known for bringing out the best in their athletes," he explains. "My goal was to
transfer to Episcopal, so I could achieve my full potential both athletically and academically."
Martin left the 3,600‐student Cy‐Falls High School after sophomore year to transfer to EHS. His instincts
were spot‐on. "I love a small school where you know almost everyone in your grade. The teachers here listen,
and I have been fortunate to build relationships with coaches and faculty like Ms. Nancy Eisenberg and
Mr. Eric Lerch. I also appreciate daily Chapel," he continues, "because it provides a break from the rigor of
classes. Hearing personal stories of student homilists helped me build connections and make friends here."
The qualities of patience and good instincts made Martin a standout cornerback in the SPC. "I'm fast, but
the key is to not act too soon or a receiver can fake a route," he says. "I wait, read the route, then go for the
burst and tackle." Coach Leisz concurs, adding, "TayJon stays with a play better than any athlete I've seen.
He never gives up, and in every game he makes a touchdown‐saving tackle on the other side of the field."
When college scouts came calling, Martin evaluated his opportunities and trusted his gut to determine which
program would be the best fit. "I'd like a chance at both a stint in the NFL and a career on Wall Street," he
asserts. "I want to play Division I, but have the support of a small school environment." With that wish list in
mind, he signed with the Lafayette Leopards in Pennsylvania, where he will play in the Patriot League.
Lafayette's Head Football Coach John Garrett told Martin he will start freshman year, and so he heads to
Pennsylvania for practice and conditioning in June. "I'm not eager to leave home, but at the same time I am
excited to join the Leopards, start college, and see what the future brings."
Equipped with patience, self‐awareness, and faith in the future, it's a good bet that Martin will not only
survive his next steps, he will thrive.
—Claire C. Fletcher
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