A Tribute in Print
Eddie Hawkins, a former U.S. men’s national team member who earned caps in 1984, has released a new book titled Beacon of Hope. The work is a heartfelt homage to his longtime coach, Tony Martelli, whose mentorship shaped Hawkins’s career and the lives of countless youngsters in the Hudson Valley.
Martelli, who has run the Washingtonville Soccer Shop since 1981, is celebrated not only for his 249‑54‑25 coaching record and seven Section 9 championships but also for his habit of offering discounts and gear to families who cannot afford it. His influence stretches beyond the field, embedding himself in the community’s fabric.
Behind the Self‑Publishing Deal
The book was self‑published in partnership with Penguin Books, a collaboration that gave Hawkins the editorial support he needed while retaining creative control. Scott Pioli, a Washingtonville graduate and three‑time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, contributed a foreword that underscores the cross‑sport resonance of Martelli’s legacy.
Hawkins revealed that he kept the project under wraps, only informing Martelli a week before the release. The timing allowed the coach to see the finished manuscript without the pressure of early publicity, preserving the personal nature of the tribute.
A Coach’s Journey
Born in Italy and moving to the United States at age sixteen, Martelli settled in Rye Neck, Westchester County, before launching his soccer shop in Washingtonville. He starred at Hartwick College before embarking on a coaching career that culminated in his 1995 induction into the New York State High School Coaches Hall of Fame.
Martelli’s marriage to Lorenza has endured for six decades, during which they raised three children. Their story, like his coaching legacy, reflects stability, dedication, and a deep‑rooted connection to family and community.
Community Impact
Beyond trophies and titles, Martelli’s shop has become a hub for local families, providing equipment at reduced prices and fostering a love for the sport among youth who might otherwise be excluded. His approachable demeanor and willingness to help have earned him a reputation as a mentor who truly cares.
The book’s release coincides with a renewed interest in grassroots soccer development across the region, with local clubs citing Martelli’s methods as a model for integrating skill development with character building.
Looking Forward
Hawkins hopes that Beacon of Hope will inspire other athletes to document the stories of the coaches who shaped them, preserving a collective memory that might otherwise fade. He also plans to use proceeds from the book to fund scholarships for under‑privileged players, continuing the cycle of giving that Martelli has championed for years.
As the soccer community in the Hudson Valley celebrates this literary milestone, the legacy of Tony Martelli lives on — not just on the scoreboard, but in the lives he has touched both on and off the field.