BENTON HARBOR – The Lake Michigan College Athletic Department has hired Linda Martin of Niles as its new head womens volleyball coach.

Martin has coached volleyball for the past 18 years, most recently with Niles High School, Brandywine High School and Krush Volleyball Club. Martin is a graduate of Buchanan High School and Western Michigan University.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to continue in coaching and I appreciate the atmosphere at LMC,” Martin said. “My goal is to build a nationally competitive program with a solid focus on academics and moving athletes on to the next level.”

The team has one returning player with Kaitlyn Sink of Coloma, who Martin said is showing great leadership and work ethic. Martin feels she has found the right athletes to allow LMC the chance to play at a competitive level within the MCCAA and NJCAA with an incoming class that is filled with players that have a high volleyball IQ.

“We are excited to have a new look with Linda,” said Melissa Grau, assistant director of intercollegiate athletics. “The coaching staff and players are looking forward to her expertise and knowledge of the game.”

Assistant coaches for Martin include Kenn Davis and Quinn Wreggelsworth.

Martin is expecting to be competitive in the conference right away, as their setter is familiar with the offensive system the coaches have put in place and the team has been practicing at a high level.

The LMC Red Hawks volleyball seasons starts Sept. 6 with a home game against Jackson Community College at 6:30 p.m.