MONROE, La. – Maria Jose Martinez has been named the next head women's golf coach at ULM, announced by Director of Athletics SJ Tuohy on Friday (June 26).
 
"We're happy to welcome Maria to the Warhawk family," said Tuohy. "She is a rising star who has been successful at every stop of her playing and coaching career. More than golf, Maria has a magnetic positive energy we can't wait to have on the Bayou."
 
Martinez is familiar with the Sun Belt Conference, having spent the last two seasons at Texas State as the assistant coach of the women's golf program. In the 2025-26 season, the Bobcats finished second in the Sun Belt, falling in match play to ULM at the Sun Belt Championship. The team collected five top-five finishes with Martinez assisting, claiming a team championship at the Texas State Invitational. Two individuals in Grace Quintanilla and Yvonne Chamness were selected for NCAA Regional bids. Quintanilla earned Sun Belt Freshman of the Year honors while Chamness was one of four Bobcats to be named all-conference.
 
The 2024-25 season saw Martinez mentor Chamness to an NCAA Regional bid, the first for a Bobcat individual since 2019. The junior, who also earned SBC All-Tournament Team honors, earned her highest career finish at the postseason event. As a team, the Bobcats had three top-three team finishes, including championship performances at the Texas State Invitational and Cardinal Challenge. 
 
"I'm beyond excited to be named the next ULM women's golf head coach," said Martinez. "This is an incredible opportunity and I'm truly grateful for the chance to lead the program. I'm looking forward to keep building the winning culture and help the girls grow as competitors, students and individuals. I would also like to thank my family, friends and coaches I've worked and played for. Their support and encouragement have played a significant role in helping me reach this opportunity."

The Veracruz, Mexico, native competed as a graduate student at UNLV during the 2023-24 season, helping the Rebels to a second-place finish at the Mountain West Championship, its highest since 2018. Martinez tied for ninth at the event.

While at Houston, Martinez was a two-time All-American Athletic Conference selection and held program records with a 54-hole score of 14-under 202 and 36-hole score of 133. Martinez helped the Cougars to the 2019 AAC Championship, while placing in the top 10 at the championships on two separate occasions.

Prior to her collegiate career, Martinez was a standout youth golfer in Mexico and in Texas. She competed in three Mexican Olympics, earning two gold medals and one bronze and claimed four Texas Junior Golf individual titles.

Martinez's hire is pending approval from the UL System Board.