Middleton, Fla. – The Villages High School announced Skylar Martin as its next beach volleyball head coach Friday in Middleton.

Martin, who has served as assistant coach for the VHS indoor volleyball team in each of the past three seasons, takes over the head coaching position in place of Chris Hamilton. 

This spring will mark the fourth year for the Buffalo beach volleyball program in its brief history, with the squad compiling a 31-14 record in head-to-head play in three seasons.

"We're very excited about Coach Martin taking over our beach volleyball program," said VHS athletic director Richard Pettus. "I've had the opportunity over the last couple years to watch her coach indoor volleyball, and I've always admired and respected how she coached, but also how well-organized she is."

The 2027 season will mark the varsity head coaching debut for Martin, who has seven total years of coaching experience, while she's also served as head coach of the Buffalo junior-varsity volleyball team since 2024.

"Excited is honestly an understatement," Martin said. "Being a part of the VHS volleyball family has been a dream come true. The staff is incredible, the girls are outstanding, and being able to continue growing within this program means so much to me."

A native of Lake County, Martin played two collegiate seasons of beach volleyball at Lake-Sumter State College.

"I absolutely loved beach volleyball when I played, and there is something so special about watching our athletes experience the game in a different way and fall in love with the sport themselves," Martin said. "What excites me most is the opportunity to take ownership of a program and really pour my heart into building it. I'm excited to create a culture that the girls are proud to be a part of."

Martin said she hopes to continue the winning standard set by Buffalo Beach – qualifying for the FHSAA state playoffs each of the last two years – but also create an enriched culture within the program.

"I want to establish a standard that carries throughout the entire program," Martin explained. "I expect our athletes to show up ready to compete, work hard, and be great teammates and partners. Beach volleyball requires so much accountability and mental toughness, and I want those qualities to become part of who we are as a program. Winning is obviously something we will strive for every day, but success is also measured by our growth and how we respond to adversity."


Cody Hills can be reached for questions or comment at cody.hills@tvcs.org.