Sue M. Uebel
Sue (Martensen) Uebel was born and raised in Rye, New York. At Rye High School she lettered in field hockey, volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, and track. He senior year she was named Outstanding Female Athlete. Sue entered Ashland College in the fall of 1970. She lettered in volleyball, field hockey, and softball. He senior year she served as team captain for the volleyball team. In field hockey, she played fullback on the undefeated 1972 team. She also served as player/coach of the Women’s Lacrosse Club. While at Ashland College, Sue believes she benefited from being coached by exc3ellent female role models in Dr. Ella Shannon, Dr. Ruth Jones, Dr. Carol Mertler, and Dee Bilhardt. Each of he coaches had her own unique style, which helped mold her coaching style. Upon graduating with a B.S. in Education, she began her coaching career at New London local schools in Huron County. During the five years she worked at New London, Sue taught physical education (K-12) and Health, while serving as Head Volleyball Coach (5 yrs), Head Basketball Coach (2 yrs), and Head Track Coach (5 yrs). She took numerous athletes to the State Meet, but found her greatest success in volleyball. Under her tutelage, the volleyball teams went 61-24 and were State Semi-finalists in 1977 and 1978. During the summer months she completed her first Masters Degree at Adelphi University (New York) in 1979.
Returning to her alma mater in 1979, Sue began her collegiate career as an instructor in the Sport Science Department (’79 to present), Head Softball Coach (’79-’85) and Head Volleyball Coach (’79-present). Her 23-year career record in volleyball is 447-373, with twelve 20-win seasons. She was named “Ashland University “ Coach of the Year” in 1989 and 1992 and the Great Lakes Valley Conference “Coach of the Year” in 1990 and 1993. Her team was Great Lakes Valley Champions in 1991 and Runner-up in 1993. She has coached one All-American, numerous All-Region, and all-Conference players.
While at Ashland University, Sue has served as Associate Athletic Director (’85-’93) and currently serves as Senior Woman Administrator for the Athletic Department.
Sue was honored at the American Volleyball coaches Association Convention in 1998, for her 400th win and currently ranks 15th in All-Time career victories among N.C.A.A. Division II Volleyball Coaches. She is a National Federation Volleyball Class One official and a USA Volleyball Official.
In her tenure at Ashland University, Sue has been a member of the NCAA regional ranking committee for volleyball and basketball and is a Poll Voter for the American Volleyball Coaches Association. She has been the tournament director for conference and regional championship hosted by Ashland University. Along with her coaching and teaching, Sue spends her summers directing camps and clinics at high schools all over the State of Ohio and she has also coached a Junior Olympic Club Team, sponsored by Adena Corporation. Several of those players went on to play at Division I level. She also earned her second Masters Degree in Education from Ashland University in 1985.
Sue’s coaching philosophy emphasizes performing in the classroom as well as on the court. Her 2001 volleyball team boasted seven All-Academic Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Team Members and a team GPA of 3.53. This team also received the AVCA/Molfen Team Academic Award. Many of her former players have gone on to be successful high school, club, and college coaches.
Sue credits her love of sports to her parent, Esther Martensen and the late Melvin Martensen. Sue resides in Ashland with her husband, Paul and has a stepson, Robert.
Nominator: Dr. Ella Shannon
