SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Kelli Zache Martin has been appointed the third head coach in the history of the Indiana University South Bend softball program, Athletic Director Steve Bruce announced Friday. Zache Martin comes to the Titans from Saint Mary's, where she just completed her eighth season with the Belles.

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"I would like to start off by thanking Steve Bruce and the rest of the Titan athletic staff," Zache Martin said. "I am very grateful and excited for this opportunity at IUSB. I hope to contribute my knowledge and continue to build on the success of the softball program. I look forward to getting to know the student-athletes, and I am eager to start the season. Go Titans!"

Zache Martin was named the head coach of the Belles at the beginning of the 2013-14 season and registered a 152-117 overall record in eight seasons.

Under her guidance, Saint Mary's produced 21 All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and 59 All-MIAA Academic honorees along with a two-time All-MIAA Most Valuable Player. Two Belles were also named CoSIDA Academic All-District while one went on to be named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America First Team and the 2018 NCAA Division III Softball Academic All-America of the Year honoree.

The 2018 season was one for the record books as the Belles posted the most wins (36), most conference wins (15), longest winning streak (13), fewest losses (7), and most All-MIAA, All-Region, and All-American honorees in a single season. The Belles claimed the program's first MIAA regular season title and earned the program's first NCAA Division III Championship Tournament berth.

"We are excited to welcome coach Zache Martin to our Titan family," Bruce said. "She brings with her a history of excellence both as a former athlete and as a coach. She is a perfect fit in our culture of coaches and understands the importance of trying to affect the lives of our student-athletes in a positive and uplifting manner."

A native of Niles, Mich., Zache Martin was a two-time first team all-state selection at Brandywine High School. She went on to play three seasons at Western Michigan University before finishing her career at Bethel College.

As a player for the Pilots, she was a three-time Mid-Central Conference Pitcher of the Week and was a first team all-conference selection. She posted a 22-5 record in the circle with a 1.77 ERA in 166.1 innings pitched. A first team all-region pitcher, she was named to the NCCAA All-Tournament Team at Nationals while also earning NCCAA All-American honors.

Zache Martin has gained coaching experience at the University of Notre Dame's summer camps and served as an assistant coach at both Bethel University and St. Joseph High School. She was also an ASA certified umpire from 2008 to 2012.

While at Bethel, Zache Martin earned a bachelor's degree in psychology in 2011. She currently resides in South Bend with her husband Nic Martin and their French bulldog, Maci.