Aug. 2, 2007

FAIRFAX, Va. - George Mason head swimming and diving coach Peter Ward announced the addition of Petra Martin to the Patriots' staff. Martin has been named assistant coach, replacing Scot Budde, who accepted a position as women's swim coach and aquatics director at Greensboro College.

"I'm thrilled to have Petra join the Mason staff," said Ward. "She is a proven world class swimmer, who has great experience at the collegiate level as a coach and as an All-American swimmer. The student-athletes will benefit greatly from her knowledge and expertise in and around the pool, helping them reach their potential and perform at a high level."

In joining the Patriots, Martin returns to the collegiate ranks. After graduating from the University of Maryland in 2003, she served as assistant swim coach for the Terrapins from 2003-2004. While there, Martin was tasked with recruiting duties, including assisting international student-athletes, supervising workouts and dry-land training, as well as fundraising, alumni affairs and team promotions.

While a member of the Terps swim team as an undergraduate from 2000-2003, Martin was a four time Academic All-American, as well as an honorable mention All-American in 2001 in the 200-meter and 400-meter freestyle relays. That year, she earned All-ACC honors, as her 200-meter freestyle relay team set a school record with a time of 1:31.34.

Martin was a member of the Czech National Swim Team from 1996-2004, where she represented the country at European Championships, World Cups, and other international competitions. In 2000, she set a Czech national record, and was ranked in the top 25 worldwide in the 50 freestyle and 50 butterfly.

Most recently, Martin has worked as the associate head coach for the Fort Belvoir Swim Team in Alexandria, where she has played an important role in the day-to-day operational functions of the team, including marketing and apparel, managing practices, and supervision of other assistant coaches.

Additionally, Martin has served as the head swim coach for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training, where she has coached 80 adult triathletes, while assisted with recruiting and fundraising. Martin was the head swim coach and general manager for the Potomac Raiders Swim Club from 2003 to 2005, as well as the head coach of the Maryland Masters Swim Team.

She holds three degrees from Maryland, and a bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Oxford College of Emory University, which she earned in January 2004.