LAKE CHARLES – Bridget Martin, a key pillar of McNeese Athletics and the Southwest Louisiana community for more than 40 years, has been named the next Director of Athletics at McNeese State University, McNeese Interim President Dr. Kedrick Nicholas has announced.
Martin is the first female to hold the role of Director of Athletics at McNeese and one of only four women ADs in Louisiana history joining Sandy Barbour (Tulane, 1996-99), Sheila Thompson Johnson (Louisiana Christian, 2000-2004), and Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes (Dillard, 2006-2022).
A press conference to formally introduce Martin will be held on Monday morning at 10 a.m. in the End Zone Club at the Jack Doland Field House.
"I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next Director of Athletics at McNeese State University," said Martin. "McNeese is home, and I'm proud of the momentum we have built together. We have the foundation, alignment, and people in place to continue our upward trajectory, and I understand what it takes to be successful here.
"Our focus will remain on delivering a first-class student-athlete experience, sustaining the momentum we've created, and continuing to elevate the McNeese brand through athletic success. We will be innovative and forward-thinking while staying rooted in the pride, tradition, and blue-and-gold spirit of Southwest Louisiana. McNeese has become a household name across the country because of the commitment of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, donors, and fans who believe deeply in this place. Together, we will continue building something special at McNeese. Geaux Pokes!"
Said Nicholas: "Bridget Martin has made notable contributions to McNeese and the athletics department for a very long time. Much of her efforts flew under the radar because she has maintained a very low profile. While many may not realize it, the success we have had in McNeese Athletics recently and in the past involved Bridget playing a key role. She is very adept at the intricacies involved with the very important day-to-day internal operations for McNeese Athletics. I am confident in her ability to recalibrate the Athletics administrative team to build on her strengths and position others to allow them to thrive in new spaces. This should ultimately lead to McNeese Athletics continuing the momentum we have seen for the last few years.
"McNeese is rich in tradition, institutional pride, and community support. Bridget understands this at a level as deep as anyone on our team, and she will use that understanding as a catalyst for continued progress. She is the right person for this role at this time. The campus respects her, and the coaches appreciate her. I have full confidence that she can deliver for McNeese Athletics."
Martin began her career at McNeese in 1990 and spent 11 seasons as the Cowgirls' head coach before moving into administration and has served as the department's Senior Woman Administrator and NCAA Compliance Director since 2001.
In 2023, she was promoted to Deputy AD and has served as the sport administrator for men's and women's basketball, softball and volleyball programs.
A native of Lake Arthur, Martin is a graduate of Louisiana Tech and began her coaching career at Goretti High School, her alma mater in Lake Arthur, then moved on to St. Louis Catholic High School in Lake Charles where she led her team to the 1988-89 state championship.
What they're saying about Bridget Martin:
Chris Grant, Southland Conference Commissioner
"From the moment I stepped into the Southland, Bridget has been someone I've leaned on in the biggest moments. She's been a trusted advisor and a steady voice at the table, consistently putting the good of the entire conference ahead of any single institution. That's not common, and it tells you everything you need to know about how she leads.
"Bridget is a proven leader who understands how to build momentum and sustain success, and she's been a major part of the trajectory we've seen at McNeese. I have no doubt she'll continue to elevate that program in every way while staying grounded in what makes this league special.
"It's a strong moment for our league to have Bridget stepping into this role. Her experience, perspective, and conviction, paired with her ability to see around corners, will be a real asset as we continue to push the Southland forward."
Heath Schroyer, former McNeese AD and current LSU Senior Deputy AD
"Bridget Martin knows McNeese inside and out and is absolutely deserving of this chair. Bridget and I worked hand-in-hand together over the last six years, and without her, McNeese wouldn't be where it is today.
"She's an amazing leader, one of the best administrators I've ever been around, and it's her turn to take the reins. Under her leadership, the athletic department is in great hands."
Todd Townsley, Townsley Law Firm Managing Partner and AD Selection Committee Member
"The question for the selection committee was: Is McNeese's athletic department headed in the right direction? The answer to that is yes. We went through dozens of resumes, and after several interviews, Bridget was the committee's unanimous choice. She will keep McNeese athletics headed in the right direction and will build on the foundation and success she inherits from Heath Schroyer.
"I know she has great support with our alumni, donors, and fan base. She and her team will keep McNeese at the top of the Southland conference."
Matt Viator, McNeese Football Head Coach
"I couldn't be more excited for Bridget and the future of McNeese Athletics. Her leadership and passion have been a driving force behind the success of our programs and student-athletes through the ever-changing landscape of college athletics. I am confident she is the right person at the right time for McNeese."
Dr. Wade Rousse, former McNeese President and current LSU System President
"Bridget understands the vision, possesses the integrity, and brings the strong commitment to student-athletes to continue the success in the athletics department at McNeese. I have no doubt she will make the community and university proud."
Tommy McClelland, Former McNeese AD and current Rice Vice President & Director of Athletics
"I had the privilege of working alongside Bridget Martin for seven years, and I can say with complete confidence that she is the right leader at the right time for McNeese Athletics. Bridget brings a rare combination of experience, institutional knowledge, and a deep understanding of collegiate athletics that will serve her exceptionally well as Director of Athletics. More importantly, she is an outstanding person who leads with integrity, authenticity, and purpose. I'm truly excited for Bridget and confident in the bright future ahead for McNeese Athletics under her leadership."
