Hackensack, NJ -- FDU Senior Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics Bradford Hurlbut appointed K.J. Martinez as the second-ever head coach of the Knights' women's bowling team Monday morning.

Martinez spent the past two seasons as the graduate assistant coach for the nationally-prominent program, including for the team's ninth NCAA Championship semifinal appearance which came in 2022. Prior to arriving in North Jersey, Martinez served as captain of the Arizona State club bowling program, administering all aspects of the team.

"We are thrilled to promote K.J. to his new role," said Hurlbut. "From day one on campus, K.J. demonstrated his great knowledge and respect for the sport, took time to educate others and proved to be a leader for student-athletes. In taking over this prestigious program, I have no doubt K.J. will continue the tremendous tradition of Knights women's bowling!"

In his first stint "on the Hackensack," Martinez assisted former head coach Mike LoPresti in planning and coaching practice sessions, in addition to developing and implementing match strategy and techniques. On social media, Martinez began "Whiteboard Wednesday," a digital series in which he explains a new concept or technique pertaining to various elements of bowling, preparation and equipment. From 2021-23, FDU won 150 matches for a winning percentage of more than 66 percent during his time as FDU's assistant coach. In 2023, FDU won the Northeast Conference Regular Season Championship and finished the season ranked No. 15 nationally, according to the National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA) poll.

Away from the lanes, Martinez assisted LoPresti in recruiting, camps and liaising with strength and conditioning.

"I am absolutely thrilled and honored to embark on this incredible journey with FDU," said Martinez. "Stepping into the role of head coach for such a storied and historic program is a dream come true. Our mission is to build upon the foundation that has been laid before us and elevate the program and University to even greater heights. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity to work with these exceptional student-athletes and inspire future generations of bowlers in Bergen County and beyond."

While at Arizona State, Martinez organized team schedules for practice and tournaments while also coordinating fundraisers for the program. A USBC Academic All-American honoree as a senior, Martinez was nominated for West Coast Collegiate Bowlers Association Bowler of the Year for having the highest scoring average and differential. Ranking in the top 20 nationally among USBC club bowlers, Martinez was bestowed Second Team All-America status consecutively from 2019-21.

Additionally, Martinez won the 2019 QUEBECA AMF Promotional Cup in France and in 2022, competed in the BPT Strike Tour Series alongside Knights Hall of Famer Danielle McEwan.

Learning to master equipment, Martinez recently apprenticed for Tommy Jordan at Ditollas's Pro Shop located inside Bowler City in Hackensack, N.J.

An Arizona native, Martinez graduated from Arizona State in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in business communications. He finished a Master's of Sport Management at FDU in 2023.