Jim Arnold joins his son-in-law, Jody Martinez, at Bethel to be part of the coaching staff for women's basketball. Jim's daughter, Sonya, also serves as the associate coach along with Chris Hess (friend of the Martinez's during their college days).

 

"One might think that I am keeping my coaching staff ‘all in the family' since my wife and father-in-law are two of my three assistants," states Head Coach Jody Martinez. "My other assistant is a college buddy which I think more of as a brother through these last few years because of how strong our relationship has become through working together in the athletic department. All three have great basketball knowledge and Jim's records speak volumes to his credit as a basketball coach. Yes, there is a family connection but nobody in my opinion is more qualified in this game than Coach Arnold. His overall record was 360 wins to 139 losses at Niles High School. He was the AP Class B Michigan Coach of the Year in 1998; 7-time Conference Coach of the Year; and 2-time South Bend Tribune Coach of the Year (04-05; 07-08). In his 22 years as head coach, he won 10 District Championships (9 of them consecutive from 1997-2005); 5 Regional Championships; and 7 Conference Championships. During his past 12 years as head coach, his record was 232-52 (.817 winning percentage)."

 

"This is as excited as I have been in a long time," states Coach Jim Arnold. "God closed one door, but He opened another. I'm just excited about this opportunity to coach at this level and to be working with my son-in-law is going to be neat, too."

 

Jim is married to Linda (43 years) and they have another daughter, Allison Clay (married to Jeff - also a former Bethel College basketball player). Allison played for her sister, Sonya, in 1993-1995. Allison was the first player in school's history to be named an All-American (NAIA Academic All-American in 1995). Jim and Linda have 4 grand-daughters: Hannah and Josalyn Martinez; Alexi and Abbie Clay.