Martin picked to lead BGSU women's swimming program

9/29/2010

BOWLING GREEN - Petra Martin has been named the new head coach of the Bowling Green State University women's swimming program, athletic director Greg Christopher announced Tuesday.

The 32-year-old Martin comes to the Falcons from George Mason University, where she was an assistant coach for the past three seasons. She also has collegiate experience at Maryland from 2003-04 and has coached a number of highly regarded amateur teams in the Maryland area.

Her competitive career includes swimming three seasons at the University of Maryland (2000-02), where she earned honorable mention All-American status in 2001 for her part on two relay teams. She also competed with the Czech National Swim team from 1996-2004 and was ranked in the top 25 world-wide in the 50-meter butterfly and the 50-meter freestyle in 2000.

"We are thrilled to have Petra joining our coaching staff. She brings an intensity and focus that stood out through the search process. She has very high aspirations for this swim program and a strong plan to get there," Lesley Irvine, BG's associate athletic director/senior woman administrator, said in a statement. "Petra also identified the tremendous sense of community here in Bowling Green and looks forward to being a part of it. We know she will have great success here."

Martin will take over from Keri Buff, who resigned in August after leading the BG program for the previous eight years.

"I am very excited to start a new era of Bowling Green swimming," Martin said. "My family and I are excited about becoming part of the community. I can sense tremendous support for the program within the athletics department and the university. I cannot wait to start leading the Falcon ladies to their true potential."

VOLLEYBALL HONOR: Freshman left-side hitter Paige Penrod was named the Mid-American Conference East Division defensive player of the week for her efforts against Akron and Buffalo last week.

Penrod had 15 digs and two blocks to go with nine kills at Akron Friday. She then had a career-high 19 digs in a five-set win over Buffalo Saturday, adding 14 kills and three blocks.

Penrod leads the Falcons in kills (169 for 3.02 per set), ranks second in digs (146 for 2.61 per set), and is third on the team with 11 service aces and 20 blocks.

Penrod is the second consecutive BG player to earn the award. Freshman libero Ashley Dunn was honored last week.

Contact John Wagner at:

jwagner@theblade.com or

419-724-6481.