Rutgers has found its replacement for resigning head coach Phil Spiniello, pulling in Bowling Green’s head coach Petra Martin to take over the women’s-only program in Piscataway, New Jersey.
Spiniello resigned earlier this spring after five years at the helm for Rutgers, as he and his wife will be moving out of the state.
But Rutgers will now look to Martin, who joins the Scarlet Knights after five years as the head coach at Bowling Green.
Martin has taken Bowling Green to new heights in her years with the program, including back-to-back third place finishes at the MAC Championships in 2013 and 2014, something that hadn’t been done at Bowling Green in two decades. She and Bowling Green added yet another third-place finish this past spring.
Rutgers Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Julie Hermann said in the school’s press release that Martin was their top candidate throughout the hiring process.
“We are thrilled that Coach Martin has become our new head swimming and diving coach,” said Hermann. “During our national search, Petra became our number one target to lead our program into Big Ten contention.”
In the same press release, Martin expressed her excitement at the new position.
“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to lead the Scarlet Knights’ swimming and diving team,” said Martin. “The program has so many great opportunities ahead and it is clear to me that Rutgers is on the verge of something great. The institution has a lot to offer academically and athletically and I cannot wait to be part of that. There is also a strong drive and commitment to excellence on all levels. I love the energy and direction from everyone in the department and look forward to building a very special team.”
Martin was herself a collegiate swimmer at Maryland in the early 2000s, and stayed on with the program as an assistant after graduating. She also competed for the Czech National Team and held a national relay record for the Czech Republic.
Martin also has experience as an assistant coach with George Mason.
Rutgers just made the leap to the Big Ten Conference, and will look to Martin to help build them into a competitive squad in a fast-rising women’s conference currently dominated by NCAA powers Minnesota, Indiana and Michigan.
I’ve heard nothing bad of Toledo. Ohio is a different story.
good for petra! and which mac programs?^^
do you know what mac schools? have you heard anything about toledo??
Have you heard anything about toledo?
Congrats to Rutgers on the hire. I’ve heard many good things about Petra which is not the case for some of the other MAC programs head coaches who I’ve been told can be very two faced when it comes to recruiting and such.
Okay, I’ll bite. Which MAC programs? Firsthand experience or secondhand? Regardless, congratulations to Petra and Rutgers. A great mind and coach.
yes which mac school have you heard things from?? very curious
Petra!! Congratulations on this great move. You’re a great coach and I’m so happy for you.
No men’s team at Rutgers.
I think everyone is aware of that since the article says “women’s-only program.” You have commented about this on previous stories as well. While it is a shame that the men’s team got cut, it doesn’t take anything away from a women’s program full of bright hard working women. I wish them and Coach Martin the best going forward!