WCHA women’s commissioner Sara Martin, who has served in her role since the conference’s founding in 1999, will retire at the end of this season.
Martin’s retirement is effective June 30, 2014.
“With all of the changes in college hockey and approaching my 15th season, this seemed like the perfect time to step down,” said Martin in a statement. “I have been very proud to be a part of the WCHA. This association is very special with a long tradition of success. We have an outstanding WCHA staff and institutional coaches, administrators and especially student-athletes who have elevated the sport of women’s ice hockey and will continue to do so. I look forward to being a WCHA fan for life.”
During Martin’s tenure, WCHA member teams have regularly led the country in attendance and the WCHA Final Face-Off has continued to grow.
“Sara has been an invaluable resource to the WCHA and will be missed,” said Bill Hudson, a St. Cloud State professor who serves as the chair of the WCHA executive committee. “I feel lucky to have worked with her over the years and we thank her for her contributions to the association during her tenure.”
Martin has been extensively involved with college hockey for more than 20 years. She served as tournament director of the WCHA Final Five in 1994, 1996 and 1998, was the tournament manager for the 1997 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four held at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee and was assistant tournament manager for the 1993 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four, also in Milwaukee. She was also the tournament manager for the 1995 and 1999 NCAA Division I Men’s West Regionals, held in Madison, Wis.
Prior to assuming her duties with the WCHA, Martin worked in the Wisconsin athletic department from 1990-99.
