Syracuse, N.Y. – Le Moyne College has announced the hiring of John Martin as the inaugural head coach of its women's bowling program. Martin brings a proven record of program building and competitive success at the NCAA Division I level and will lead the Dolphins as they launch the program with significant institutional support and a vision to compete immediately within the NEC.

"We are thrilled to welcome John Martin to the Le Moyne family," said Assistant Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics and Campus Recreation Phil Brown. "John's expertise and vision make him the perfect leader to lay the foundation for our bowling program. We have full confidence that he will build a culture of excellence and a competitive spirit that will define this program for years to come."
 
"I expect our athletes to compete with the best programs in the country," Martin said. "This isn't about slow growth — it's about building something that can win at the highest level. Le Moyne has the resources, structure, and commitment to make that happen, which is why this opportunity stands out."
 
Martin arrives from Valparaiso University, where he served as head coach and rapidly elevated the program to national relevance. Under his leadership, Valpo achieved a Top-20 national ranking, set multiple program records including the highest baker and traditional team scores in program history and recorded the program's first-ever baker 300. His teams also captured multiple tournament titles in a single season for the first time since the program's inception and posted one of the highest winning percentages in school history.
 
Beyond results, Martin implemented a development system centered on measurable improvement in scoring efficiency, spare conversion and strike percentage — driving sustained competitive growth and raising the program's national ceiling.
 
"My approach is simple — process over outcomes," Martin said. "If you consistently prepare at a high level mentally, physically and emotionally, the results take care of themselves. We're going to build athletes who can execute under pressure, not just show up."
 
Martin will be joined in the program by his daughter, Jillian Martin, one of the most accomplished bowlers in the world, who will serve in a role supporting athlete development. A PWBA major champion, multiple Team USA gold medal winner, and four-time First Team All-American at Nebraska, Jillian brings immediate credibility and elite-level insight into daily training.
 
Her involvement is a direct competitive advantage in recruiting. Prospective student-athletes will have consistent access to one of the best players in the world as part of the program's environment. That exposure accelerates development, sharpens competitive standards and provides a level of mentorship that most programs simply cannot offer.
 
"I've had a front-row seat to what it actually takes to reach the top of this sport," Martin said. "Our athletes won't have to guess. They'll see it, train in it and be held to it every day."
 
At Le Moyne, Martin will take over a startup program positioned with advantages rarely available in new program builds, including enhanced operational resources, expanded scheduling flexibility and comprehensive support services such as sports performance and mental training infrastructure.
 
"Starting from scratch is an advantage if you do it right," Martin said. "You get to build the culture, the standards and the expectations from day one. There's no rebuilding — it's construction with intent."
 
Martin began his coaching career at the high school level in Ohio, where he led Stow–Munroe Falls High School to multiple state tournament appearances, including a state runner-up finish and a third-place finish. He coached several All-Ohio athletes, including an individual state champion, and earned Suburban League Coach of the Year honors.
 
He is a Silver Level USBC-certified coach and has developed strong ties throughout the bowling industry, including experience working alongside elite-level coaches and athletes. His player development background includes mentoring athletes who have gone on to achieve success at the highest levels of collegiate and professional bowling — including his direct role in Jillian's development from the beginning.
 
Le Moyne's program will begin competition in the NEC with the goal of quickly establishing itself as a national contender.
 
"This is about building something that matters," Martin said. "We're not here to participate. We're here to compete for championships."