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As a vital part of the resurgence of Redbird women's basketball as player, Taren Martin (formerly Taren O'Brien) continues to be instrumental in the success of the program as the director of basketball operations. A four-year letterwinner and on-court general for the Redbirds during her playing days, Martin now is using her experience and talent to teach, coach and help take the Redbirds to even greater heights. A native of Savannah, Mo., Martin began her career with the Redbirds in 2000. Martin finished her playing career ranked in the top-10 of numerous categories for the Redbirds. She was the first Illinois State player to mass 300 assists, 250 made free throws, 150 steals and 100 three-point field goals. During her senior campaign she averaged 11.4 points per game, 4.6 assists, and 2.6 steals per game establishing herself as one of the most versatile and dynamic point guards in the Missouri Valley. Even more impressively, her leadership on and off the court led to one of the greatest turnarounds in women's college basketball history. The Redbirds finished 16-13 in Martin's senior year, the team's best record in eight seasons. Martin's dedication and leadership earned her the Jill Hutchinson Endowed Scholarship in 2003 and the Jill Hutchison Coach's Award for leadership and performance for her efforts during the 2003-2004 season. Martin began her coaching career with the Redbirds in 2004 while she pursued her bachelor's and master's degrees in communications from Illinois State. As director of basketball operations, Martin oversees the day-to day operations of the program, as well as serving as on-court coach and mentor. Martin's behind the scenes work, which includes developing communication plans, organizing day-to-day activities, public relations and marketing, game preparation and scouting, is instrumental to the success of the program, . As Illinois State's first Director of Basketball Operations, Martin is a tireless, dedicated worker whose contribution has had a major impact from day one. In addition to her responsibilities with the Redbirds, Martin and her husband, Patric,k have a 10-month old daughter named Ryleigh and are expecting their second child in November. Patrick Martin is the Superintendent of the Illini Central School District in Mason City, Ill. |
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