LAKE CHARLES – McNeese Director of Athletics Heath Schroyer has announced the promotions of three Athletic Senior Staff members – Bridget Martin to Deputy Athletic Director, Matthew Bonnette to Senior Associate Athletic Director, and John Lemke to Associate Athletic Director.
 
Martin, who has been at McNeese since 1990 when she was hired as co-head coach of the Cowgirl basketball program, has been the department's Senior Woman Administrator and NCAA Compliance Administrator since 2001. 
 
"I'm honored and excited to name Bridget my new Deputy AD," said Schroyer. "Bridget is and has been the rock of this department. Her institutional knowledge is off the charts and she has a pulse on everything inside of our department. From the day I stepped into this role, she has been loyal and that trait is hard to find these days. I'm so excited to have her in this role."
 
Martin will also continue to be the sport administrator for women's basketball, volleyball, and softball.
 
"Working in athletics at McNeese has been a great experience," said Martin. "I would like to thank Heath and the administration for the opportunity to continue to serve our student-athletes, coaches and staff in this new role. There have been a lot of changes recently in collegiate athletics, but McNeese's commitment to student-athlete graduation and competing for championships remains the same. I look forward to the future."
 
Bonnette, a McNeese graduate, has been with the Sports Information/Sports Communications Director since 2012, following his father, Louis Bonnette, who was in the position for 46 years until retirement. He also oversees the athletics digital media department.
 
"Matthew is someone I've really come to trust and respect," said Schroyer. "We just see things so similar. There isn't anyone that cares more about McNeese Athletics than Matthew Bonnette. He is someone I have continued to rely on more and more and he has continued to rise to the occasion. Again, he has been loyal since day one and I value that more than anything else."
 
In addition, Bonnette is the sport administrator for the men's and women's indoor/outdoor track and field programs as well as the men's and women's cross country teams.
 
"I can't thank Heath enough for what he's not only done for me, but also this department, university and community," said Bonnette. "He's a true leader and cares so much about McNeese, its athletes, students and staff. I've learned so much from him in just the few years I've gotten to work with him. There's no mountain too tall for Heath to climb. I'm thrilled to be on his team."
 
Lemke is the new Assistant AD for Business and Compliance. A former standout jumper for the Cowboy track and field team, Lemke has played a major role in the academic success in the athletic programs while also taking on budgeting duties.
 
"I have been nothing but impressed with John since day one," said Schroyer. "His growth the last two years has been off the charts. John is loyal, has a great demeanor, and a fantastic worth ethic. John has an extremely bright future here and in the world of college athletics. I'm excited to elevate him into a bigger role and to give him a lot more responsibility moving forward."
 
As an athlete, Lemke was a two-time SLC outdoor champion in the triple jump and a three-time NCAA East Preliminary Round qualifier.
 
"I'm excited about the opportunity and looking forward to building on the achievements and accomplishments done by those who came before me," said Lemke. "I want to thank Heath for having trust and believing in me and I look forward to continuing to move McNeese Athletics forward."