Laura Martin Named Head Dance Coach

ST. LOUIS, Mo.—Vice President of Athletics Maria Buckel is pleased to announce the promotion of Laura Martin to Head Dance Coach.

"I'm so grateful to have Coach Martin step up to serve as the Head Dance Coach," said Buckel. "She's been such a loyal and wonderful assistant coach over the past two years. Her expertise in chorography and dedication to the team are a few things that sets her apart. She's poised to continue the great tradition of Fontbonne Dance and continue the pursuit of a national title. I'm excited to see future performances under her leadership."

Coach Martin this past year led the Griffins to a second place finish at Nationals in hip hop. In team performance, the Griffins wound up in fourth.

"I'm so excited and appreciative for the opportunity to work with this talented group of dancers, supportive athletic staff, and uplifting university," said Martin. "I've had the privilege to work with this team over the last two years and I'm thrilled to be stepping into this role. I'd like to thank Maria Buckel and Danielle Doerfler for this opportunity and I feel so grateful for their support and encouragement"

Martin continued, "I'd like to thank the team members for being so trusting, loving, and kind over the last two years. Each of them has made a lasting impact on me and I feel so happy that I get to continue tow work with them. I'm looking forward to the season!"

Prior to joining Fontbonne, Coach Martin had been dancing for 19 years with a diverse background. She's been trained in ballet, tap, jazz, Irish hard shoe, Irish soft shoe, hip hop, and lyrical.

She began her collegiate dance career at Iowa Central Community College for two years. She was able to compete at ISDTA and obtained four state titles.

She also competed at NDA National Dance Team Competition in Daytona Beach, Fla. She then transferred to St. Cloud State University and was a member of the Husky dance team for one year. She was able to compete in UDA National Dance Team Competition in Orlando Florida. Coach Martin then transferred to the University of Northern Iowa and was a member of the dance team for one year.

Coach Martin has earned her AA degree and Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. In May, she obtained her Master's Degree in Special Education.