Coach of three 2011 All-Big 12 performers? Check. Shattered Cyclone record books in 2011? Check. Big 12 Coach of the Year? Check.

Now ISU women’s golf coach Christie Martens has added NGCA Central Region Coach of the Year to her checklist.

Martens, in her seventh year at the helm, guided the Cyclones to one of the most inspiring seasons in school history. Her leadership propelled the team to its second straight regional appearance and a fourth-place finish at the Big 12 tournament. The linksters also climbed to a No. 15 national ranking, the highest ever for ISU women’s golf. 

On their way to the top, the Cyclones mutilated the school record book. Martens’ squad collected three tournament titles, as well as three second place finishes. Coming into 2010, Iowa State had only won six tournaments in its past 14 years of competition.

Individually, the women posted 11 of the top 12 18-hole scores in school history. Additionally, five of the top six three-round scores were replaced this season.

Laurence Herman, Prima Thammaraks, and Sasikarn On-iam were among the record setters on their way to All-Big 12 honors. Thammarks, along with Victoria Stefansen and Punpaka Phuntumabamrung, tied for second in school history with low rounds of 68.

The 75.34 18-hole team average ranks third all-time in school history. Thammarks tied the individual record for 212 strokes on 54 holes.

Martens’ selection marks the first time an Iowa State coach has won NGCA Regional Coach of the Year. Martens has turned the Cyclone program around and made Iowa State a conference force through not only great coaching, but also extensive recruiting. Martens has scanned the globe for talent since taking over in 2005, and has witnessed the steady improvement of her global golf stars.

Of the ten women on the squad, only five hail from the United States. Stefansen and Herman, the only seniors on the team, hail from Denmark and Belgium, respectively. The European veterans have been an integral part of Martens’ turnaround.

On the underclassmen side, Martens has recruited some of the premier golfers from Thailand. Phuntumabamrung, a sophomore, and Thammarks and On-iam, each freshmen, all call Bangkok home. These young phenoms are all expected to be a shining part of a bright future for Martens and the golf program.

With this bevy of youths expected to return next season, Martens can be expected to continue showing why she is worthy of coach of the year honors.