COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina head men’s basketball coach Frank Martin was honored in his hometown on Wednesday evening, as he was presented the key to the City of Miami (Fla.) and also the key to Miami Dade County. Born and raised in Miami, Martin was a math teacher and long-time basketball coach in the city before joining the college ranks.

“While in South Florida for a speaking function I was honored to receive the key to the City of Miami from Commissioner Frances Suarez and the key to Miami Dade County by Mayor Carlos Gimenez,” Martin said. “It was an amazing moment that I shared with family and lifelong friends. This will be with me for the rest of my life.”

One of Martin’s friends in attendance for the ceremony, Tony Regueira, a sergeant with the City of Miami Police Department, was very excited to see his friend honored in their hometown.

“Frank receiving the Key to the City of Miami and Miami Dade County, our hometown, is without a doubt one of the most inspiring things,” Regueira said. “It’s very well deserved. Frank is someone who started from the bottom and worked his way to the top level. In my job, I work with young kids in our community and anytime I need him, Frank helps to give his support and encouragement to these young men and women. Frank is about community, and is a true professional. We’re all very proud of him!”

Martin spent 15 years in high school coaching in Miami, including seven as a head coach. He was part of five state championships as an assistant at Miami Senior High School, before earning two titles as the program’s head coach. Martin helped develop 14 players that went on to play NCAA Division I basketball, while all 21 of his players graduated with 19 of those attending college. He also spent time as head coach at North Miami Senior High and Booker T. Washington High School.

In his fourth season in Columbia, Martin’s South Carolina squad put together an historic 2015-16 campaign. The group matched a school record with 25 wins on the year, set a school record for regular-season wins with 24 and posted the first 20-win season since 2008-09.