Martin Wins Heart of a Lion Award

Freed-Hardeman University's Kortland Martin received the 2022 Heart of Lion award presented annually to the senior intercollegiate athlete who in the estimation of the entire coaching staff has best exemplified the strength and courage of a lion.

A 5'11" point guard from Humboldt, Tennessee, Martin led the Lions in scoring this year with 20.5 points per game. He shot 88% from the free-throw line and 40% from behind the arc. In his junior and senior years, he was elected to the Mid-South Conference First Team by the opposing coaches. He was also named to the NAIA All-American Third Team.

Martin holds the school's all-time scoring record with 2,321 points. But he is more than a scoring machine. He also posted career totals of 459 assists, 157 steals, 423 rebounds, and 334 successful three-point shots.

"Kortland is just a special young man. He isn't just a talented player; he is a special person," Head Coach Drew Stutts said. One thing that made him special is that he didn't mind playing different roles; he just wanted to win. "That attitude and approach speak to his character and the young man he is on and off the court," Stutts said. "Kortland is simply a winner."