Rachel Martin was named the Corban University head softball coach in the summer of 2019. She becomes the sixth head coach to helm the Warrior softball program.
No stranger to the university or the softball program, Martin graduated from Corban with a degree in physical education in 2014. Prior to being named head coach, she played an integral role as an assistant coach with the team from 2017-2019. She served as the team’s hitting and strength coach, while also working with the team’s outfielders.
Under her direction, the nationally-recognized Warrior lineup saw increases in team batting average (.322), slugging percentage (.469), on-base percentage (.383), and stolen bases (134) in 2019. During her time in leadership, the Warriors saw 10 All-Conference honorees, four CoSIDA Academic All-District award-winners, two Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Gold Glove outfielders, a pair of National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Region award-winners, and an NAIA All-American.
In her first season as the program's head coach, she led the squad to a 15-5 overall record prior to the season being cut short. The Warriors sat in second place in the CCC standings, in the middle of a 13-game win streak at the time of the season's cancellation.
A decorated alum of the program, Martin stands as one of the Navy and Gold’s all-time great catchers. After competing as the starting backstop for NCAA Division I Centenary College of Louisiana, she transferred to Corban for the final three years of her collegiate career.
While wearing the Navy and Gold, she was named to the All-CCC team in 2012, eventually earning NAIA Second-Team All-American plaudits for her outstanding performance on the diamond.
Martin (formerly Rachel Conard) is currently tied with Warrior legend Stephanie Nippert for the program record (.481) in single-season batting average. Additionally, Martin is fourth all-time in single-season slugging (.827), second in single-season on-base percentage (.600), seventh in career RBIs (106), third in career on-base percentage (.502), and sixth in career home runs (23).
Having played an essential part in both competing for and developing the program, her detailed knowledge of the team makes her an ideal fit to lead the Warriors.
Martin resides in Keizer, Ore. with her husband Sam, who also graduated from Corban University. The two attend Court Street Christian Church and enjoy going to concerts, traveling to various MLB stadiums, and hiking the beautiful landscapes of Oregon.
