Tuesday, April 4, 2017
by Saint Martin's Athletic Communications

LACEY, Wash. – Saint Martin's has announced the hiring Christy Martin as the new Saints' head women's basketball head coach. Martin, who has spent the last three seasons at Tacoma Community College, led the Titans to its first 20-win season since 2002.

"Sixteen years of hard work has led me to this position and I am very blessed to be a part of this institution and this program" said Martin. "This position represents everything I have wanted in a coaching position".

"With Christy we have hired an energetic hard working coach who has a proven record of building successful programs" said Saint Martin's Director of Athletics Bob Grisham. "She has a very good understanding of what it takes for student-athletes to be successful on and of court".

Martin brought success both on and off the court to Tacoma Community College, ending a five year NWAC playoff drought after earning a No. 3 seed in the conference's 2017 tournament. Last season, Martin's Titans featured impressive victories over Lower Columbia College (LCC's only in-division loss) and Grays Harbor College (NWAC playoff team).  Tacoma Community College found success on its home court, winning 11 out of their 12 games. Along with her coaching duties, Martin excelled as an academic advisor for the school, guiding students along their academic careers.

Before her time at Tacoma Community College, Martin was the head coach at Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, Oregon. Martin transformed a struggling BMCC team into the most successful women's basketball team in school history. During the 2012-13 season, she coached the Timberwolves to their first ever NWAC playoff appearance with an 18-10 record. The following season, Martin led the program to new heights, winning 22 games and reached the national semifinals in the NAC Tournament.

"I have a proven track record of rebuilding programs and creating lasting success and with the administration, campus, and community's support I believe we can accomplish that at Saint Martin's" said Martin. "I already feel like I am in a great starting position with the returning players and look forward to the upcoming season".

The Saints return a veteran team from the 2016-17 campaign, including honorable mention All-Conference selection Elin Johansson. With only one senior graduating, Saint Martin's looks to compete in an experienced GNAC next year, led by Alaska Anchorage and Western Washington.  

Martin began her playing career at Walla Walla Community College where she was the starting point guard for the Warriors. She graduated in 2000 from Walla Walla and later received her bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Eastern Washington University.  

"The number and quality of our applicants for the Head Coach's position was impressive and indicates the level of interest out there by those that want to be associated with Saint Martin's University and the Great Northwest Athletic Conference" said Grisham. "I want to thank our search committee for the thorough job and diligence they applied to the hiring process".