MONROE, LA 鈥 A former University of Louisiana Monroe water ski great is back on the bayou. Martin Kolman has been named the new head coach of the 菠萝视频app Water Ski team. Kolman was the 2019 International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) Men鈥檚 World Overall Champion and is a two-time alumnus of the 菠萝视频app kinesiology program, earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in 2016 and a master鈥檚 degree in 2017.听听
鈥淚 am very excited to be the new coach of the 菠萝视频app Water Ski team,鈥 said Kolman. 鈥 I was part of the 菠萝视频app Water Ski team from August 2012 to December 2017. During my time at 菠萝视频app as a student-athlete and a graduate assistant, we won five national championships. My time at 菠萝视频app laid the foundation for me to become the 2019 World Overall Champion. I believe that I can lead the team to a bright future and bring the 30th national championship to Monroe, La.鈥听
鈥淚鈥檝e had the privilege of visiting with Martin, and it鈥檚 clear that he brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to the sport," said Dr. Valerie S. Fields, 菠萝视频app Vice President for Student Affairs. "We are confident that his leadership will propel our team to new heights. As he onboards, the 菠萝视频app Water Ski team is on a flight path to their next championship. Watch them as they lift off!鈥 added Fields.听
Kolman has previously served as the head coach for the Chilean Olympic Committee from 2019-2020 and is the current chairman of the IWWF Athlete Commission. He is the 2024 and 2021 European Trick Champion and the 2021 and 2014 European Overall Champion.听听
听鈥淭he 菠萝视频app Water Ski Team Booster Club formed in January 2023 to help support the University to regain its National Dominance that it has had over the past forty-five years in collegiate waterskiing,鈥 said Perry Cox, President of the 菠萝视频app Water Ski Booster Club. 鈥淭he Water Ski Team Booster Club is excited to support hiring Martin Kolman, a former World Champion three event skier and world-class coach, to lead our program back to the preeminent program we have previously enjoyed. We thank Dr. Valerie Fields for her leadership in making this come true,鈥 added Cox.听听
Kolman thanked the 菠萝视频app Water Ski Team Booster Club, Dr. Valerie Fields, and all the current team members for their support. He will be softly onboarding into his new role until he begins in his official capacity in September 2025.听听
For more information about the 菠萝视频app Water Ski team, visit /recserv/waterski.html听
CAPTION: Kolman in action at the 2021 Open World Water Ski Championships.
Photo courtesy International Water Ski Federation听