In 1990, Bridget Martin walked into McNeese State University as a young and determined basketball coach. At the time, Title IX was still taking root, and the world of women’s collegiate sports was navigating the early stages of equality. Over the next 35 years, Martin would become a key force in shaping not only the athletic culture of McNeese but also the broader evolution of women’s sports in the United States.
From coaching courtside to overseeing compliance and administration as Deputy Athletic Director, Martin’s journey is a powerful story of leadership, growth, and resilience. It’s also a reflection of how Title IX has empowered generations of female athletes—and the challenges that remain.
The Early Days: Coaching with Purpose
Bridget Martin began her career at McNeese as co-head coach of the women’s basketball team. She spent eleven seasons in total—seven as head coach and four as co-head—laying the foundation for a career that would eventually extend well beyond the hardwood. In a time when women’s programs received significantly less support, Martin fought for visibility, fairness, and resources. Her experience on the court offered firsthand insight into the inequities facing female athletes.
Her transition from coach to administrator was driven by the belief that systemic change happens from within. In 2001, she took on the role of Senior Woman Administrator and Compliance Officer, stepping into a position that allowed her to directly influence how the university interpreted and applied Title IX regulations.
Title IX in Action: Building Opportunity from the Ground Up
Although Title IX became law in 1972, many institutions were still slow to implement its mandates by the time Martin arrived at McNeese. The law promised that “no person, on the basis of sex, shall be excluded from participation in… any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance,” which includes sports.
At McNeese, this meant:
Increasing scholarship availability for female athletes Ensuring equal practice time, travel accommodations, and facilities Creating coaching opportunities for women Monitoring equity in athletic funding and exposure
As the university’s NCAA Compliance Administrator, Martin played a critical role in translating policy into practice. She audited programs, ensured fair resource allocation, and became a key decision-maker in the university’s strategic athletics planning. Her approach was not just about ticking boxes—it was about building a culture of fairness and progress.
Rising Through the Ranks: A Trailblazer in Athletics Administration
Martin’s commitment and expertise didn’t go unnoticed. In 2023, she was promoted to Deputy Athletic Director for Strategic Management, one of the most senior roles in McNeese’s athletic department. Her portfolio now includes:
Oversight of women’s basketball, volleyball, and golf Strategic planning and policy development NCAA academic and compliance regulations Supervision of student-athlete welfare and development
McNeese Athletic Director Heath Schroyer described her as the department’s “rock” and emphasized the unmatched depth of her institutional knowledge. This promotion was more than a personal achievement; it marked a significant step for women in sports administration—a field where they are still heavily underrepresented.
The Broader Impact: Title IX Across the Nation
Martin’s journey is emblematic of the broader impact of Title IX across the country. Since the 1990s, the number of girls participating in high school sports has increased by more than 1,000%. Colleges have seen an explosion of new women’s programs, and professional leagues like the WNBA, NWSL, and women’s hockey have gained both viewership and sponsorship.
However, the fight for equity isn’t over:
Women still receive less media coverage and lower funding Coaching and executive roles remain male-dominated Facilities, equipment, and travel conditions often vary dramatically between men’s and women’s teams
At universities like McNeese, compliance officers like Martin continue to hold the line—not just enforcing regulations, but actively building systems that elevate women’s sports.
Championing Student-Athletes On and Off the Field
Beyond compliance and operations, Martin is known for her deep investment in student-athlete success. She has helped develop academic support programs that ensure athletes maintain eligibility and graduate on time. She’s a consistent advocate for student well-being, often working behind the scenes to secure tutoring, mental health support, and leadership training.
Her presence across decades has given athletes a sense of continuity and trust. Many alumni point to Martin as a guiding force in their careers, both during and after college. For her, success isn’t measured in wins and trophies alone—it’s measured in the personal and professional growth of the athletes she mentors.
McNeese’s Commitment to Equity in Sports
Under the current university leadership, McNeese has doubled down on its support for athletic equity. Facility upgrades, expanded recruiting budgets, and investment in women’s teams all reflect a long-term vision inspired in part by Martin’s contributions.
Projects have included:
Renovations to women’s locker rooms and training centers Enhanced travel accommodations for women’s sports teams Community engagement programs focused on female youth athletes
These changes serve not only to comply with Title IX but to build a sustainable legacy of athletic excellence.
Challenges Ahead: What Still Needs to Change
Despite the progress made, the path forward still holds challenges. Representation is a key issue. According to NCAA data, less than 25% of all collegiate athletic directors are women, and even fewer are women of color. McNeese’s promotion of Martin signals a rare but important exception to the norm.
Going forward, the focus must include:
Creating mentorship pipelines for women entering sports administration Holding institutions accountable with transparent Title IX reporting Encouraging alumni and donors to support women’s programs Elevating media coverage of women’s collegiate sports
Martin’s career offers a roadmap, but widespread systemic change will require a coalition of committed leaders, including men in power, to champion and implement these efforts.
Legacy in Motion
Bridget Martin’s legacy is already embedded in McNeese State’s athletic department. It’s in the student-athletes who earned scholarships thanks to her compliance work. It’s in the improved facilities and expanded travel budgets she helped secure. It’s in the coaches and administrators she mentored and empowered. And it’s in the culture shift that she helped lead—one where women’s sports are no longer a secondary concern, but a central pillar of the university’s athletic identity.
A Living Example of Title IX’s Promise
More than just a university official, Bridget Martin represents the living embodiment of Title IX’s ideals. Her 35 years of service have not only mirrored the progress of the law but have accelerated it within her sphere of influence.
She reminds us that real progress happens through consistency, advocacy, and vision. It requires someone to ask the hard questions, challenge the status quo, and persist even when the system resists.
And for every young girl who now dreams of playing college sports—or leading a sports program—Martin’s career serves as proof that the dream is possible.
Final Reflection
As Title IX marks over 50 years of existence, the story of Bridget Martin is a reminder of both how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. Women like her are not just administrators; they are pioneers who carry the legacy of progress forward with each decision, each policy, and each athlete they support.
Her 35-year journey at McNeese State is more than a career—it is a testament to the transformative power of equity, and the enduring impact of one woman’s vision to make sports better for everyone.
