High Post Hoops
Fansided

Delaware head coach Tina Martin announces her retirement

By Mike Peden

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Tina Martin of the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens looks on during a women's college basketball game against the American University Eagles at Bender Arena on November 16, 2016 in Washington, DC. The Fightin Blue Hens won 56-55 in overtime. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Tina Martin of the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens looks on during a women's college basketball game against the American University Eagles at Bender Arena on November 16, 2016 in Washington, DC. The Fightin Blue Hens won 56-55 in overtime. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

After 21 years and 408 victories, Delaware head coach Tina Martin is calling it a career.

Martin’s retirement became official on Friday. Delaware was the only stop in her coaching tenure, and she leaves with the school’s all-time record in wins.

“After a great deal of thought, I’ve decided the time is right for me to retire as head coach at the University of Delaware and move on to the next chapter of my life,” Martin said in a statement published by the school. “Delaware basketball has been my passion for over 20 years and I am going to miss it. I’ve been fortunate to work with very driven and loyal assistant coaches, talented student-athletes, great teams, and supportive fans.

Martin’s accolades include 12 20-win seasons and four trips to the NCAA tournament. Her most prominent year was 2012-13, when the Blue Hens reached the Sweet 16. That season’s team boasted three 1,000-point scorers, including Elena Delle Donne, who became the second overall pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft.

Delle Donne is undoubtedly the most famous name under Martin’s helm, but other Blue Hen alumni have been shaped by her presence. Tiara Malcolm, who graduated in 2005, joined Martin’s staff as an assistant coach in the 2006-07 season. Nine years later, Malcolm moved to Florida International and became that school’s head coach in 2016. Another face that got her start at Delaware was Kayla Miller. Graduating in 2012, she returned to Delaware as director of basketball operations in 2015.

Associate head coach Jeanine Radice will serve as interim head coach while a search is conducted to find Martin’s successor.

Home/CAA