DeKALB | After 13 seasons at the helm, NIU softball head coach Donna Martin resigned June 4.

In total, Martin has been connected to NIU for 30 years. Before her time as head coach, Martin served as an assistant coach at NIU for 13 years. And before that, she was batting for the Huskies.

“For over 30 years, I have loved NIU as a player and a coach,” Martin said. “Twenty-six years is a long time to be in the coaching profession and it is the right time for me to explore some opportunities related to the field of athletics.”

During her tenure as skipper, Martin led NIU to two MAC conference titles (1999 and 2000). She also earned MAC coach of the year in those seasons.

Martin also coached 21 players to first-team all league honors in her 13 years. The coach also produced the 1999 MAC player of the year (Christy Dalton), 2000 MAC Pitcher of the Year (Courtney Witvliet), and 2002 MAC Freshman of the Year (Kathy Dearborn).

Overall, Martin held a 350-334-2 record in her 13 years as head coach. In 2007 Martin’s team posted a record of 22-28 and went 10-12 in the MAC.

NIU athletic director Jim Phillips commended Martin for her long-time service and dedication to NIU athletics.

“Donna Martin has had a long and distinguished career with the Huskies, and I have tremendous respect for the contributions she has made to the softball program and to Northern Illinois University,” Phillips said. “Donna will always be a part of our Huskie family and we wish her the very best in the future.”

Phillips announced June 4 that a national search has begun for Martin’s predecessor.