Published April 3, 2025
MONROE, LA – A former University of Louisiana Monroe water ski great is back on the bayou. Martin
Kolman has been named the new head coach of the ULM Water Ski team. Kolman was the
2019 International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) Men’s World Overall Champion
and is a two-time alumnus of the ULM kinesiology program, earning a bachelor’s degree
in 2016 and a master’s degree in 2017.
“I am very excited to be the new coach of the ULM Water Ski team,” said Kolman. “
I was part of the ULM Water Ski team from August 2012 to December 2017. During my
time at ULM as a student-athlete and a graduate assistant, we won five national championships.
My time at ULM laid the foundation for me to become the 2019 World Overall Champion.
I believe that I can lead the team to a bright future and bring the 30th national
championship to Monroe, La.”
“I’ve had the privilege of visiting with Martin, and it’s clear that he brings a wealth
of experience, passion, and dedication to the sport," said Dr. Valerie S. Fields,
ULM Vice President for Student Affairs. "We are confident that his leadership will
propel our team to new heights. As he onboards, the ULM Water Ski team is on a flight
path to their next championship. Watch them as they lift off!” added Fields.
Kolman has previously served as the head coach for the Chilean Olympic Committee from
2019-2020 and is the current chairman of the IWWF Athlete Commission. He is the 2024
and 2021 European Trick Champion and the 2021 and 2014 European Overall Champion.
“The ULM Water Ski Team Booster Club formed in January 2023 to help support the University to regain its National Dominance
that it has had over the past forty-five years in collegiate waterskiing,” said Perry
Cox, President of the ULM Water Ski Booster Club. “The Water Ski Team Booster Club
is excited to support hiring Martin Kolman, a former World Champion three event skier
and world-class coach, to lead our program back to the preeminent program we have
previously enjoyed. We thank Dr. Valerie Fields for her leadership in making this
come true,” added Cox.
Kolman thanked the ULM Water Ski Team Booster Club, Dr. Valerie Fields, and all the current team members for their support. He will
be softly onboarding into his new role until he begins in his official capacity in
September 2025.
For more information about the ULM Water Ski team, visit https://www.ulm.edu/recserv/waterski.html
CAPTION: Kolman in action at the 2021 Open World Water Ski Championships.
Photo courtesy International Water Ski Federation
