SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – Director of Athletics Ryan Cottingham announced Friday (Feb. 6) that Betsy Martinez has been appointed the position of head volleyball coach at Spring Arbor University.
“We are thrilled that Betsy has accepted the invitation to become our volleyball coach,” said Cottingham. “She embodies the mission of Spring Arbor University and our athletic department. Betsy is passionate about her faith and she’s passionate about volleyball. Betsy will build a highly competitive program while impacting lives for the Kingdom.”
Martinez brings enthusiasm and experience to Spring Arbor from her playing days at fellow Crossroads League member Taylor University and after serving the past three years as a coach at Lenawee Christian School. She was the 8th grade volleyball coach for one season before being elevated to direct the varsity program for the past two seasons.
The Adrian, Michigan native has also been active in Lenawee Christian Ministries as the Director of the Elite Summit Volleyball Camp, as well as the Elite Sports Performance Strength and Conditioning Coach.
Martinez boasts impressive credentials from her playing career. At Lenawee Christian, she was a multi-sport standout, earning 12 varsity letters. On the volleyball court, she was a three-time All-State selection and named the Lenawee County Player of the Year during her junior and senior seasons.
After high school, Martinez went on to play at Taylor where she was a four-time NAIA All-America selection with the Trojans. During her time in Upland, Indiana, she guided TU to four regular season conference championships and two conference tournament titles while the team racked up a 135-32 record. Martinez garnered Crossroads League Setter of the Year honors three times while accumulating 6,087 assists – second most all-time at Taylor. During her junior season, where the Trojans posted a 35-8 record, she dished out 1,736 helpers – sixth-most in a single season at TU = which ranked third in the nation.
Martinez received her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from Taylor in 2012. She, and her husband Colton, currently reside in Adrian, Michigan.
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