Valparaiso University Interim Director of Athletics Laurel Hosmer announced today that John Martin, a Silver Level USBC certified coach with a track record of success, has been hired as the fifth head coach of the Valpo bowling program. Martin will also serve as the athletic department’s director of operations for Olympic sports.
“I can’t wait to get at it with this group of ladies,” Martin said. “I was already familiar with a couple of the program’s athletes, and watching college bowling this season, I see that this group has talent. I’m excited about the opportunity to take over this program and the goal is simple, make the NCAA Tournament. From there, anything can happen. I’m looking forward to developing the program and putting in a strong system for growth in the players' physical and mental games. If I could sum up my approach in two words, ‘Relentless Optimism’.”
Martin previously served as the head bowling coach at Stow–Munroe Falls [Ohio] H.S. He led the Bulldogs to a trio of team appearances at Ohio Division I state tournaments, highlighted by his 2018 boys team finishing as the state runner-up and the 2019 girls team qualifying first for bracket play before placing third. Martin coached three All-Ohio individual honorees as well, including the Ohio girls individual state champion in 2019. He was named Suburban League Coach of the year for the 2017-18 season.
“We are excited to welcome John Martin to Valparaiso University to lead our bowling program,” Hosmer said. “His passion for the sport and growth as a coach have led to success for his teams, while his established relationships within the bowling industry will be an asset as well. We look forward to John leading our bowling program to the next level.”
Most recently, Martin was called back into action on an interim basis to lead the Stow-Munroe boys team during the 2022-23 season. Despite coming into the team in the middle of the campaign, Martin helped guide the Bulldogs as they advanced through sectionals and districts all the way to the state tournament.
Martin got his start in coaching bowling as he mentored his daughter, Jillian, in the early portion of her career. Jillian Martin, who will begin her junior season at Nebraska in the fall, has enjoyed unprecedented success for her age on the professional circuit, becoming the youngest bowler to win a PWBA national event when she captured the 2021 PWBA BowlTV Classic at 17 years old. She recently claimed a major title as she won the 2024 USBC Queens, becoming the youngest bowler to win that event.
“I’m looking forward to bringing the success I had at the high school level and the years of knowledge I’ve accumulated from watching the interaction of William Clark and Jillian, as well as the up-close look at the work ethic behind Jillian’s ascent, to Valpo,” Martin said. “That said, I’m not Jillian and I’m not William Clark. I have my own style and my own way of doing things that has worked. But it hasn’t hurt to watch greatness day in and day out and what needs to be done to get there.”
Martin will lead a Valpo program which finished the 2023-24 season ranked #19 nationally, its highest final national ranking since 2014-15. The Beacons finished last season with their highest win total since 2013-14, while their .607 winning percentage was the second-best in program history, trailing only the 2011-12 NCAA Tournament team.
What They're Saying About John Martin
"John Martin will epitomize the dedication and engagement that you will need to have a successful bowling program at Valparaiso University. His thoughtful and consistent approach to coaching has not only elevated our team's performance here in Stow, Ohio, but has also fostered a positive environment and individual success for all student-athletes in our bowling programs. As the proud father of one of the nation's top collegiate bowlers, his passion for the sport and commitment to excellence will inspire both on and off the Beacon bowling lanes."
Cyle Feldman
Athletic Director, Stow-Munroe Falls H.S.
"John and I have become good friends over the last handful of years. Through those years we have had many conversations about all aspects of the game. John realizes the importance of establishing a good team culture and maximizing the student experience. I think John will not only bring competitiveness, but also stability, to Valpo and I look forward to watching it all develop."
Geoff Poston
Head Bowling Coach and Director of Bowling Operations, Ottawa [Kan.] University
