2023 Louisiana Tech Volleyball Record Book

The 2023 Louisiana Tech volleyball team information guide is a publication of the Athletics Media Relations Office. It has been designed as a source of information for the news media and Lady Techster volleyball fans. Every effort has been made to include pertinent and timely information. Should you need additional information such as feature material and/or statistics, please direct your inquiries to the media relations office.

News releases, photos and other services are available to accredited members of the news media. Current releases, statistics and photos can also be obtained at LATechSports. com.

Editors: Kelsey Chanler and Kane McGuire

Contributors: Chanler, McGuire, Hotz, Goodwin, Butler, Louisiana Tech News Bureau, Louisiana Tech Marketing and Public Relations Department

Covers, Layout and Design: Courtney Pugh Donnie Bell Design.

Photography: Kelsey Chanler, Emerald McIntyre, Donny Crowe, Tom Morris, Darrell James, James Garner, Donald Page

ATHLETIC VISION

Louisiana Tech University will be a conference leader in performance by investing strategically in student-athletes’

ATHLETIC MISSION STATEMENT

Embody excellence in everything we do.

Develop student-athletes to maximize their potential in mind, body and spirit.

Bring pride, admiration, and loyalty to the University family, community and state.

Win with integrity.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Location: Ruston, La.

Founded: 1894

Enrollment: 11,038 (as of Fall 2022)

Affiliation: NCAA Division I

Conference: Conference USA

Nickname: Bulldogs

Colors: Blue & Red

Arena: Thomas Assembly Center

Year Opened: 1982

Capacity: 8,000

President: Dr. Les Guice

Athletic Director: Dr. Eric A. Wood

Deputy AD/SWA: Mary Kay Hungate

Faculty Rep: Dr. Donna Thomas

COACHING STAFF

Head Coach: Amber McCray (5th year)

Alma Mater: Florida, 2008

Record at LA Tech: 34-71 (.324)

Career Record: 201-116 (.634)

Assistant Coach: Alex Holt (2nd year)

Alma Mater: Pacific, 2018

Assistant Coach: Bella Borgiotti (1st year)

Alma Mater: UNC Wilmington, 2017

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

Associate AD: Kane McGuire

Volleyball Contact: Kevin Albarez

Email: kalbarez@latech.edu

Office: (318) 257-5071

Cell: (225) 573-3538

Athletics Website: LATechSports.com

Twitter: @LATechVB

Instagram: @LATechVB

Facebook: LATechVolleyball

TEAM INFORMATION

2022 Record: 11-18

2022 CUSA Record: 4-10

2022 Postseason: N/A

LETTERWINNERS RETURNING (5)

QUICK FACTS LOUISIANA TECH

NEWCOMERS (12)

LETTERWINNERS LOST (10)

Imana Ellis, Ainsley Yanz, Mallory Meers, Andrea Spasojevic, Chard'e Vanzandt, Kalee Cadwell, Jaena Bell, Meghan Dunnigan, Morgan Smith, Ashley Jones

2023 SCHEDULE

USA Matchup = *

State Iinvitational = ^

Invitational = %

TECH Invitational = #

=

Coaching Staff

Amber McCray - Head Coach (5th Season)

Alex Holt - Assistant Coach (2nd Season)

BY POSITION

Outside Hitters/Right-Side Hitters (6)

Izabely Benjamin, Courtney Carter, Megan Cooley, Carla Esquer, Sydney Jackwin, Grace Luevanos

Right-Side Hitters/Middle Blockers (3)_

Jailen Hurley, Sa'Myah Medford, Anaya Hairston

Middle Blockers (2)

Luisa Araujo, Ashley Taylor

Setters (3)

Lauren Albrecht, Grace Krohn, Meghan Scharpenberg

Libero/Defensive Specialists (3)

McKenzie Johnson, Alex Singleton, Riley Steubing

2023 NUMERICAL ROSTER

Bella Borgiotti - Assistant Coach (1st Season)

ROSTER BREAKDOWN

BY CLASS

Seniors (1)

Meghan Scharpenberg

Juniors (6)

Izabely Benjamin, Luisa Araujo, Lauren Albrecht, Alex Singleton, McKenzie Johnson, Ashley Taylor

Sophomores (4)

Jailen Hurley, Carla Esquer, Grace Luevanos, Sydney Jackson

Freshmen (6)

Riley Steubing, Sa'Myah Ford, Grace Krohn, Anaya Hairston, Courtney Carter, Megan Cooley

BY HEIGHT

5-6 (McKenzie Johnson)

5-7 (Riley Steubing, Alex Singleton, Meghan Scharpenberg)

5-8 (Lauren Albrecht)

5-9 (Courtney Carter, Sydney Jackwin)

5-10 (Carla Esquer)

5-11 (Izabely Benjamin, Grace Luevanos)

6-0 (Jailen Hurley, Luisa Araujo, Sa'Myah Medford, Ashley Taylor, Megan Cooley)

6-1 (Grace Krohn)

6-2 (Anaya Hairston)

AMBER McCRAY HEAD COACH @CoachA_McCray

Amber McCray enters her fifth year as the head coach of the Louisiana Tech Volleyball program. The former Florida All-American was named the 10th head coach in the program's history on December 12, 2018.

LA Tech built some momentum coming out of the 2022 season that saw the program register 11 wins, the most since 2019. Four of those came against Conference USA action, including two 3-0 sweeps of Charlotte and UTSA, to match the most CUSA victories in a single season since 2016. The team came one win shy of qualifying for the CUSA Tournament for the first time in program history, a goal they are set out to do in 2023.

The momentum carried over from a nine-win season in 2021 which saw a number of statistical improvements, most notably in team attacks per set (37.83) that ranked 17th in the country and in digs per set (16.54) which ranked 34th in the nation. The uptick in digs was thanks in large part to libero McKenzie Johnson who earned Second Team All-Conference USA honors, the first Lady Techster to be named all-conference since 2017.

In the split 2020-21 season, Johnson was one of nine newcomers who joined the program along with Morgan Smith who anchored the team in blocks in each of the last two seasons.

LA Tech tallied an overall record of 13-15 in McCray's first season at the helm in 2019, including a blistering 11-4 start to the season. The hot start included a stretch in which the Bulldogs reeled off eight wins in nine matches while claiming two tournament championships -- Sam Houston State Invitational and the LA Tech Invitational.

Statistically, the team improved in several statistical categories including more kills, assists, aces, and blocks per set than in 2018 while returning many of the same student-athletes. The 2019 team also committed 99 fewer errors than the prior year.

The program has also excelled in the classroom under McCray's leadership, earning the USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award three times while also having 55 Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll recipients and 10 Academic Medalists.

McCray came to Ruston after building Panola College into a nationally ranked program, leading the Fillies to 169 wins and two National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament appearances (2016, 2017). She was one win away from the national tournament in three other seasons at Panola.

McCray spent eight seasons at Panola – six as the head coach – earning conference Coach of the Year honors in 2014 and 2016 and Region XIV District H Coach of the Year honors in 2016 and Region XIV District I Coach of the Year honors in 2017. She guided the Fillies to a seventh place finish in the national tournament in 2016 and a ninth place finish in 2017.

The 2016 team won 35 matches and was ranked No. 1 in the country in the NJCAA Division I polls over the final three weeks of the season. It marked her second 30-plus win season at Panola as the 2015 team also accomplished the feat – the first for the program in more than a decade.

During her time at Panola, McCray coached 28 1st or 2nd team Region XIV all-conference performers, 19 Region XIV academic all-conference honorees and two NJCAA All-Americans. Panola volleyball had a 100 percent graduation rate for volleyball student-athletes enrolled at the school through all four semesters during McCray's tenure.

McCray spent two years as an assistant coach at Panola (2011-2013) prior to being promoted to the head coaching position in 2013. She has also spent the past eight years coaching club volleyball teams in east Texas.

As a student-athlete at Florida (2003-07), McCray was a two-year captain and a member of five straight Southeastern Conference championship teams (including a medical redshirt season). She was a member of the team that advanced to the national championship game in 2003. She was named second team All-American in 2006 and two-time all-Southeastern Conference in 2006 and 2007.

McCray also excelled off the court, earning ESPN The Magazine 2nd Team Academic All-American honors in 2007, ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District honors from 2005-2007, and SEC Academic Honor Roll from 2004-2007. McCray was nominated to represent the entire UF athletic program at the NCAA Leadership Convention in 2006, and her efforts in the Gainesville community earned her a spot on the SEC Community Service Team in 2007.

As a senior, McCray also received the Tracy Caulkins Award, presented to UF's top graduating female student-athlete who possesses the traits of academic achievement, athletic achievement, leadership and involvement in the community.

McCray was a decorated three-sport athlete for Pine Tree (Texas) High School, becoming the state of Texas' first two-time recipient of the Gatorade High School Volleyball Player of the Year Award in 2001 and 2002.

the McCRAY file

HOMETOWN: Longview, Texas

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree (Florida, '07) Master's degree (Florida, '08)

COACHING EXPERIENCE

2019-Present: Head Coach, Louisiana Tech

2013-2019: Head Coach, Panola College

2011-2013: Assistant Coach, Panola College

PLAYING EXPERIENCE

ALEX

HOLT

ASSISTANT COACH @alexanholt

Holt enters her second season as assistant coach for the Louisiana Tech Volleyball program after joining the coaching staff on April 1, 2022.

Her presence were felt in year with the program as LA Tech built some momentum after registering 11 wins, the most since 2019. Four of those came against Conference USA action, including two 3-0 sweeps of Charlotte and UTSA, to match the most CUSA victories in a single season since 2016. The team came one win shy of qualifying for the CUSA Tournament for the first time in program history, a goal they are set out to do in 2023.

Holt came to Ruston from Cisco College where she served as an assistant coach for two seasons. During her time at Cisco, she assisted in technical and physical training, identified prospective student-athletes, managed statistical operations and designed social media content across all platforms for the volleyball program.

Holt trained middle blockers, right sides, and team blocking system at Cisco. In 2021, two student-athletes received all conference honors as the team produced an 18 win season.

Prior to coaching at Cisco College, Holt played at Pacific from 2014-2019, competing on both the indoor and beach volleyball teams. Holt was named the team captain in her final season with the Tigers. In her senior season, she played in all 29 matches and finished her career with 399 kills and 167 total blocks.

The Sacramento, California native graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social sciences and a minor in teaching professions in 2018. She received her master’s degree in the fall of 2019 in educational and organizational leadership from Pacific.

the HOLT file

HOMETOWN: Sacramento, California

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences (Pacific, '18) Master's degree in Organizational Leadership (Pacific, '19)

COACHING EXPERIENCE

2021-Present: Assistant Coach, Louisiana Tech

2020-2021: Graduate Assistant Coach, Cisco College

PLAYING EXPERIENCE

2014-2019: Pacific

BELLA BORGIOTTI

ASSISTANT COACH

Louisiana Tech volleyball head coach Amber McCray announced the hiring of Bella Borgiotti as assistant coach.

Borgiotti brings over a decade of playing and coaching experience to Ruston, having recently been an assistant for the women’s indoor and beach teams as well as the men’s beach team at Stevenson University in Maryland.

Borgiotti was part of a staff that guided the women’s indoor team to a 25-6 overall record in 2022 while advancing to the Mustangs 10th straight Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Commonwealth championship. The team went on to receive an at-large bid to the Division III NCAA Tournament.

Four Mustangs earned MAC Commonwealth All-Conference honors including outside hitter Shannon Baily who was also an AVCA Honorable Mention All-American after totaling 328 kills while hitting .241.

The women’s beach volleyball team was equally as impressive in 2022, going 26-7 including an eight-match winning streak. The Mustangs finished third at the AVCA Small College Beach Championships.

While at Stevenson, Borgiotti also was 17s head coach at the Virginia Juniors and Columbia Volleyball Academy. In years prior, she served as 18s assistant coach and setting coordinator at Columbia Volleyball Academy plus 15s/18s head coach and setting coordinator at NC Coastal Carolina.

Borgiotti was a four-year student-athlete, playing two years apiece at East Carolina (2013-14) and UNC Wilmington (2015-16) as a setter. She also played beach volleyball at UNCW for two seasons (2016-17).

As a junior for the Seahawks, she helped the program to a Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament championship and a first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.

the BORGIOTTI file

HOMETOWN: Vienna, Virginia

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Sociology (UNC Wilmington, '17)

COACHING EXPERIENCE

2023-Present: Assistant Coach, Louisiana Tech

2021-22: Assistant Coach, Stevenson University

PLAYING EXPERIENCE

2015-17: UNC Wilmington

2013-14: East Carolina

2022-23 Louisiana Tech Women's Volleyball Combined Team Statistics All games Page 1/1 as of Aug 10, 2023

Attack (by PCT)

2022 CATEGORY LEADERS

Kill (by K)

Set (by A/S)

Serve (by SA/S)

Block (by BLK/S)

Defense (by DIG/S)

Points (by POINTS/S)

Receptions (by PCT)

1987 (2-25)

Coach: Jennifer White

ALL-TIME SCORES

W vs. Oral Roberts4

L vs. Sam Houston4

Orleans, La.)

5 Hammond, La.

6 Jacksonville, Fla.

7 SBC Tournament (Jonesboro, Ark.)

1995 (16-11, 7-2 SBC)

1 Rice Invitational (Houston, Texas)

2 Mean Green Classic (Denton, Texas)

3 Lamar Tournament (Beaumont, Texas)

4 Jonesoboro, Ark.

5 Crescent City Invitational (New Orleans, La.)

1992

8-1 SBC)

L at Stephen F. Austin

W NEW ORLEANS*

at UL-Lafayette* 3-0

L at Sam Houston 0-3

L at Arkansas State*

W at WKU*

W at Little Rock

L at Lamar*

W at UTRGV*

L at Houston 0-3

L LITTLE ROCK* 1-3

W JACKSONVILLE* 3-0

W SOUTHEASTERN 3-1

W at Northwestern State 3-0

L STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 2-3

L vs. Lamar6 2-3

W vs. Arkansas State6

L vs. Little Rock6 2-3

1 Hammond, La.

2 New Orleans, La.

Coach: Chris Rudiger L NORTH TEXAS

at ULM

TROY

(Unknown locations)

1988 (0-20)

Coach: Bill Galloway

1 North Texas Tournament (Denton, Texas)

2 Texas State Tournament (San Marcos, Texas)

3 Monroe, La.

4 Orlando, Fla.

5 SBC Tournament (Jonesboro, Ark.) 1993 (22-16, 6-3 SBC)

3 Shreveport, La.

4 Baylor Tournament (Waco, Texas)

5 Subway Classic (Ruston, La.)

6 SBC Tournament (Jonesboro, Ark.)

1994 (26-14, 6-3 SBC) Coach: Scott Mayhew

L at LSU1 0-3

L vs. Duke1

L vs. Baylor1

W at Ole Miss

W vs. Oral Roberts2

W at Arkansas2

W vs. Eastern Kentucky2

W at UT Arlington

W vs. UTEP3

W vs. UTRGV3

W vs. Prairie View A&M3

W at North Texas3

W at ULM

L STEPHEN F. AUSTIN

W vs. South Alabama4

L vs. South Florida4

W vs. Syracuse4

L vs. South Florida4

L at WKU* 2-3

L at Arkansas State* 0-3

W GRAMBLING STATE 3-0

W NORTHWESTERN STATE 3-0

W UL-LAFAYETTE* 3-0

W NEW ORLEANS* 3-0

L at Stephen F. Austin 0-3

L LITTLE ROCK* 0-3

W vs. Centenary5

W at Southeastern

W TEXAS STATE

W LAMAR*

W UTRGV*

W at South Alabama*

W at Jacksonville*

W vs. Florida Atlantic6

W ULM

L SAM HOUSTON 0-3

L at Houston 0-3

L at Rice 2-3

L vs. WKU7 2-3

W vs. South Alabama7 3-0

1 LSU Tournament (Baton Rouge, La.)

2 Arkansas Tournament (Fayetteville, Ark.)

3 North Texas Tournament (Denton, Texas)

4 New Orleans Tournament (New

at Stephen F. Austin

3

L vs. South Carolina2 0-3

L at Texas Tech2 0-3

L vs. UL-Lafayette2 0-3

W NORTHWESTERN STATE 3-1

W CENTENARY 3-0

L vs. Colorado State3 0-3

L at Kansas3 0-3

L vs. Georgia3 0-3

W at ULM 3-1

L SAM HOUSTON

W OLE MISS

W at UTRGV*

L at Lamar*

W WKU*

L ARKANSAS STATE* 1-3

W at Centenary 3-0

L at Little Rock* 0-3

L at New Orleans* 0-3

L at UL-Lafayette* 1-3

W JACKSONVILLE* 3-2

W SOUTH ALABAMA* 3-0

L at Stephen F. Austin 2-3

1 LSU Tournament (Baton Rouge, La.)

2 Red Raider Four Points Classic (Lubbock, Texas)

3 Kansas Invitational (Lawrence, Kan.)

1998 (12-21, 7-7 SBC)

Coach: Lisa Huntley

L at Sam Houston 0-3

L vs. SMU1 0-3

L at Texas State1 2-3

L vs. Virginia Tech1 0-3

L vs. Boise State2 2-3

L vs. Georgia State2 0-3

L vs. Air Force2 0-3

W at Tulane2

L vs. Idaho State3 1-3

W vs. Centenary3

L at TCU3

L vs. LSU3

W SOUTH ALABAMA*

L NEW ORLEANS*

L STEPHEN F. AUSTIN

L at Little Rock* 1-3

L at Arkansas State* 1-3

W FIU*

W WKU*

W at Ole Miss

L at Mississippi State 0-3

W UL-Lafayette*

W at ULM

W at South Alabama*

L SOUTHERN MISS

L ARKANSAS STATE*

L LITTLE ROCK*

W at Centenary

W at FIU*

L at WKU*

W at UL-Lafayette*

L vs. WKU4

1 Bobcat Classic (San Marcos, Texas)

2 Tulane Tournament (New Orleans, La.)

3 TCU Invitational (Fort Worth, Texas)

4 SBC Tournament (Little Rock, Ark.)

1999 (13-20, 8-8 SBC)

Coach: Lisa Huntley

L at Southern Miss

1 LA Tech Tournament (Ruston, La.)

2 SFA Invitational (Nacogdoches, Texas)

3 Arkansas Tournament (Fayetteville, Ark.)

4 SBC Tournament (Little Rock, Ark.) 2000 (8-26, 0-16 SBC)

Coach: Lisa Huntley W

1 Lamar Tournament (Beaumont, Texas)

2 Oral Roberts Tournament (Tulsa, Okla.)

3 WAC Tournament (San Jose, Calif.)

2002 (19-16, 4-9 WAC)

Coach: Heather Mazeitis L vs. Southeastern1

L FRESNO STATE*

L at Rice*

L vs. SMU4

1 UL-Lafayette Tournament (Lafayette, La.)

2 Texas State Century Tell/Roger

Beasley Premier (San Marcos, Texas)

3 Drake Bulldog Invitational (Des Moines, Iowa)

4 WAC Tournament (Reno, Nev.)

2004 (6-21, 1-12 WAC)

Coach: Heather Mazeitis

L STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 1-3

L vs. Little Rock1 0-3

L at Arkansas State1 0-3

W vs. Jackson State1 3-0

W vs. Austin Peay1 3-1

W vs. Liberty2 3-0

L at Texas2 0-3

L vs. LSU2 0-3

L vs. Memphis3 0-3

L at Mississippi State3 2-3

L vs. Eastern Kentucky3 0-3

L BOISE STATE*

1 UL-Lafayette Tournament (Lafayette, La.)

2 Mercer Tournament (Macon, Ga.)

3 Troy Tournament (Troy, Ala.)

4 WAC Tournament (Reno, Nev.)

2006 (6-28, 0-16 WAC)

Coach: Heather Mazeitis L at Wichita State1

vs. Eastern Washington1

vs.

L at Arkansas3

L vs. Missouri3

L vs. New Hampshire3

W at Grambling State

L DENVER*

W at South Alabama*

W at New

L vs. New Orleans4

1 Rice Tournament (Houston, Texas)

2 Wichita State Tournament (Wichita, Kan.)

3 Tulsa Tournament (Tulsa, Okla.)

4 SBC Tournament (New Orleans, La.)

2001 (8-20, 0-13 WAC)

Coach: Heather Mazeitis

L at Lamar1 0-3

L vs. Southeast Missouri1 0-3

L vs. Wichita State1 1-3

W GRAMBLING STATE

L vs. Harding2

W vs. Northwestern State2

L at Oral Roberts2

L at Stephen F. Austin

1 Lamar Tournament (Beaumont, Texas)

2 Tulane Tournament (New Orleans, La.)

3 North Texas Tournament (Denton, Texas)

4 Southern Miss Tournament (Hattiesburg, Miss.)

5 WAC Tournament (Reno, Nev.)

(16-15, 4-9 WAC) Coach: Heather Mazeitis W vs. Alcorn State1

1 Arkansas State American Bank Classic (Jonesboro, Ark.)

2 Time Warner Cable Texas Invitational (Austin, Texas)

3 Mississippi State Microtel Classic (Starkville, Miss.)

2005 (15-18, 2-14 WAC)

Coach: Heather Mazeitis

W NORTHWESTERN STATE 3-2

L BAYLOR 0-3

W vs. Centenary1 3-1

W at UL-Lafayette1 3-2

W vs. Jackson State1

W UL-LAFAYETTE

W at Mercer2

L vs. UNC-Asheville2 1-3 W vs. Memphis2

W vs. FIU2

W GRAMBLING STATE 3-1

W vs. Alcorn State3 3-0

W at Troy3 3-0

W vs. Bethune Cookman3 3-0

L at Nevada* 2-3

L at Utah State* 0-3

L #11 HAWAII* 0-3

W FRESNO STATE* 3-1

L at Stephen F. Austin 0-3

L NEW MEXICO STATE* 0-3

W at Northwestern State 3-2

L at San Jose State* 0-3

W at Fresno State*

L BOISE STATE*

L IDAHO*

L at Boise State*

L at Idaho*

L SAN JOSE STATE*

L at New Mexico State*

L UTAH STATE*

L at #9 Hawaii*

LA Tech Tournament (Ruston, La.)

UTSA Tournament (San Antonio, Texas)

WAC Tournament (Las Cruces, N.M.)

2008 (4-24, 0-16 WAC)

Coach: Matt Sonnichsen

L at TCU1

L vs. Belmont1 1-3

L vs. Kansas City1

W at ULM

L vs. Jacksonville State2

L vs. North Dakota State2

L NEVADA*

L FRESNO STATE*

W NORTHWESTERN STATE

L #7 HAWAII*

L at Utah State*

L at San Jose State*

L at Stephen F. Austin

L at #6 Hawaii

W at Centenary

L BOISE STATE*

L IDAHO*

L MCNEESE STATE

L at Nevada*

L NEW MEXICO STATE*

W HOUSTON BAPTIST

L at New Mexico State*

L at Fresno State*

L at Idaho*

L at Boise State*

L SAN JOSE STATE*

L UTAH STATE*

L vs. Fresno State3

1 Molten/Nike Invitational (Fort Worth, Texas)

2 Tulane Tournament (New Orleans, La.)

3 WAC Tournament (Honolulu, Hawaii)

2009 (15-18, 4-12 WAC)

Coach: Matt Sonnichsen

W UAPB1

2 UTA Tournament (Arlington, Texas)

3 LA Tech Tournament (Ruston, La.)

4

L at Southeastern3 0-3

L at Northwestern State 0-3

L UT ARLINGTON*

L at New Mexico State*

L at Denver*

L UTAH STATE*

L SAN JOSE STATE*

L at UTSA*

at Texas State*

at San Jose State*

at Utah State*

W at Charlotte* 3-1

L at Southern Miss* 0-3

L MARSHALL* 0-3

L UTEP* 1-3

L MIDDLE TENNESSEE* 0-3

L at Rice* 0-3

L at Florida Atlantic* 0-3

L at FIU* 1-3

1 Bronco Classic (Kalamazoo, Mich.)

2 Big Daddy's Invitational (Lake Charles, La.)

3 LA Tech Tournament (Ruston, La.)

4 Rebel Classic (Oxford, Miss.)

2015 (10-20, 3-13 CUSA)

Coach: Adriano de Souza

L vs. UTRGV1 1-3

W vs. Alcorn State1 3-0

L at Houston Baptist1 0-3

W at Jackson State 3-1

L vs. Arkansas2 0-3

L vs. Northern Kentucky2 1-3

W at SIUE2

1-13 CUSA)

W vs. Texas A&M-CC4

L at Central Arkansas4

L vs. Alabama State4

L SOUTHERN MISS*

L at WKU* 0-3

L at Marshall* 0-3

L at Middle Tennessee* 1-3

L NORTH TEXAS*

W UAB*

L at North Texas*

L at Southern Miss*

W RICE*

W GRAMBLING STATE

L MIDDLE TENNESSEE* 0-3

W CHARLOTTE* 3-0

L at UTSA* 0-3

L at UTEP* 0-3

L FIU* 0-3

L FLORIDA ATLANTIC* 0-3

1 Marriott Houston Westchase Invitational (Houston, Texas)

2 SIUE Cougar Classic (Edwardsville, Ill.)

3 LA Tech Tournament (Ruston, La.)

1 Redhawks Invitational (Cape Girardeau, Mo.)

2 Tiger Invitational (Memphis, Tenn.)

3 EIU Classic (Charleston, Ill.)

4 Tulsa Invitational (Tulsa, Okla.)

2017 (7-21, 2-12 CUSA)

Coach: Adriano de Souza

L at Ole Miss1

W vs. Florida A&M1

L vs. North Dakota1

L vs. Chattanooga1

L vs. UT Martin2

L at Mississippi State

L CHATTANOOGA4

L at Idaho*

L at New Mexico State*

L at #3 Hawaii*

L at San Jose State*

W SAN JOSE STATE*

W FRESNO STATE*

L at Utah State*

L at Boise State*

L IDAHO* 1-3

L BOISE STATE*

CENTENARY

L at Fresno State*

L at Nevada*

1 LA Tech Tournament (Ruston, La.)

2 Southern Miss Invitational (Hattiesburg, Miss.)

3 Sugar Bears Tournament (Conway, Ark.)

4 LA Tech Invitational II (Ruston, La.)

2010 (13-20, 2-14 WAC)

Coach: Matt Sonnichsen

L vs. Northwestern State1 1-3 W vs. UAPB1

1 Bearkat Invitational (Huntsville, Texas)

2 Jaguar Classic (Mobile, Ala.)

3 LA Tech Tournament (Ruston, La.)

4 Husky Classic (Houston, Texas)

2012 (3-27, 0-18 WAC)

Coach: Adriano de Souza L vs. Central Arkansas1

1 UTA Hilton Invitational (Arlington, Texas)

2 LA Tech Tournament (Ruston, La.)

3 Tangi Tourism Lion Classic (Hammond, La.)

2014 (9-21, 1-15 CUSA)

Coach: Adriano de Souza

4 Sugar Bears Tournament (Conway, Ark.)

2016 (13-17, 4-10 CUSA)

Coach: Adriano de Souza

L vs. Illinois-Chicago1 2-3

L vs. New Orleans1

W at Southeast Missouri1

W vs. Eastern Illinois2

W vs. Jackson State2

L at Memphis2

L vs. Bowling Green3

L vs. Drake3 0-3

W at Eastern Illinois3 3-2

W JACKSON STATE 3-0

W vs. Northwestern State4 3-1

W vs. Oral Roberts4 3-1

L at Tulsa4 1-3

L at Rice* 0-3

L WKU* 0-3

L NORTH TEXAS* 0-3

L ULM 0-3

W MIDDLE TENNESSEE*

L at UAB*

W GRAMBLING STATE

L at Southern Miss* 0-3

1HBU

L WKU*

L at UAB*

MISS*

L at North Texas*

L at Middle Tennessee*

L MARSHALL* 1-3

L at Florida Atlantic* 0-3

L at FIU*

W UTEP*

UTSA*

W at Charlotte*

(Houston, Texas)

North Dakota Tournament (Grand Forks, North Dakota)

3 South Alabama Tournament

Ala.) 4

Tournament (Edwardsville, Ill.)

L at Arkansas

2-3 W vs. UTRGV2

L at UT Arlington2

L at North Texas*

W SOUTHERN MISS* 0-3

2019 (13-15, 3-11 CUSA)

Coach: Amber McCray

W vs. Oral Roberts1 3-2

W at Sam Houston1 3-2

W vs. Prairie View A&M1 3-1

L at Kansas City2

L vs. Tulsa2

L vs. South Dakota2

W at Jackson State

W NICHOLLS STATE3

W MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE

W ULM3

L at South Alabama4

W vs. Nicholls State4

W vs. Bethune-Cookman4

W UAB*

W at ULM

L FLORIDA ATLANTIC*

L NORTH TEXAS*

L at UTSA*

L at UTEP*

L #19 RICE*

W FIU*

L at North Texas*

L at Marshall*

L at Middle Tennessee*

L CHARLOTTE*

W SOUTHERN MISS*

L at #19 WKU*

L at Southern Miss*

1 Sam Houston Invitational (Huntsville, Texas)

2 KC Roos Klassic (Kansas City, Mo.)

3 LA Tech Invitational (Ruston, La.)

4 South Alabama Invite (Mobile, Ala.)

2020-21 (1-19, 0-12 CUSA)

Coach: Amber McCray

L at Southern Miss 1-3

L at Southern Miss 1-3

L vs. Tarleton State1 0-3

L at Stephen F. Austin1 0-3

L at Northwestern State

L at Memphis 0-3

L at Memphis 0-3

L at Rice* 0-3

L at Rice*

1 SFA Invitational (Nacogdoches, Texas)

2021 (9-19, 1-11 CUSA)

Coach: Amber McCray L vs. Little Rock1

(Houston, Texas)

3 TCU's Fight in the Fort (Fort Worth, Texas)

4 LA Tech Invitational (Ruston, La.)

2022 (11-18, 4-10 CUSA)

Coach: Amber McCray

Austin Peay1

1 Arkansas Tournament (Fayetteville, Ark.)

2 Houston Baptist Tournament

1 Big Orange Clash (Clemson, S.C.)

2 FSU Invitational (Fresno, Calif)

3 UCA Invitational (Conway, Ark.) 4 Battle for the Boot (Hammond, La.)

SERIES vs OPPONENTS

ASSISTS

LOUISIANA TECH SCHOOL RECORDS

BLOCKS

NOTE: In 2008, the NCAA ruled that all sets be played to a total of 25 points rather than the previous 30.

ATTACK PERCENTAGE

DIGS

SERVICE ACES

TEAM RECORDS

YEAR-BY-YEAR STATISTICAL TRENDS

YEARLY LEADERS

MATCHES PLAYED

KILLS PER SET

Jamie Shank

Christine Beadling

Laura Bernoski

Jamie Shanks

Laura Bernoski

Lindsey Sheppard

Courtney Ziegenbein

Walker

Mandy Arnold Lindsey Sheppard

Kacie Martin

Kelly Jefferson

HITTING PERCENTAGE

SETS PLAYED

(STATS NOT AVAILABLE 1987-91)

DIGS PER SET

BLOCKS PER SET

TOTAL BLOCKS

ASSISTS PER SET

ALL-CONFERENCE USA

2021 McKenzie Johnson, Second Team

2017 Marta Monne, Second Team

2014 Rebecca Redgen, Second Team

ALL-WESTERN ATHLETIC

2009 KC Clayton, Second Team

2007 Shannon Phillips, Second Team

2006 Shannon Phillips, Second Team

2004 Joy Okpa, Second Team

2003 Lia Mora, Second Team

2002 Lia Mora, Second Team

2002 Cristine Sant’Anna, Second Team

ALL-SUN BELT

2000 Julia Mann, Second Team

Courtney Ziegenbein, First Team

Sarah Oesterling, First Team

HONORS & AWARDS

1992 Katie Dow, First Team

ALL-AMERICAN SOUTH

1993 Sarah Oesterling, Second Team

1992 Kyla Woodward, First Team

ALL-LOUISIANA

OUTSTANDING PLAYER

COACH OF THE YEAR

FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR

1995 Lindsey Sheppard Sun Belt

1992 Jamie Shanks Sun Belt

ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM

2021 McKenzie Johnson CUSA

ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

2005 Ambra Hayes WAC

1996 Sarah Oesterling Sun Belt

1995 Sarah Oesterling Sun Belt

1994 Sharla Richardson Sun Belt

1992 Katie Dow Sun Belt

CUSA - WEEKLY HONORS

2021 McKenzie Johnson

WAC - WEEKLY HONORS

2007 Shannon Phillips

2002 Cristine Sant’Anna

SUN BELT - WEEKLY HONORS

1996 Jamie Shanks

Courtney Ziegenbein

1995 Courtney Ziegenbein

1994 Rhonda Rust

1993 Sharla Richardson

1992 Kyla Woodward

CUSA ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM

2018 Kaitlyn Adams

2017 Jacie McClure

2016 Jacie McClure

2015 Jacie McClure

AVCA TEAM ALL-ACADEMIC

2017 Jacie McClure

AVCA TEAM ACADEMIC AWARD

2021 Louisiana Tech

2020 Louisiana Tech

2018 Louisiana Tech

ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN

2017 Jacie McClure, Second Team

ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT

2017 Jacie McClure, First Team

ALL-WAC ACADEMIC

2012 Maria Coelho

Paige Cooper

Caitlin Germany

Dalane Guidry

2011 Bianca Bin

Caitlin Germany

Emily Maher

Nataliya Panova

Clara Vido

2010 Kaylon Alexander

Taylor Fritz

Jennifer Goodwin

Lori Hunsucker

Gabryel Ording

Kassia Pinto

Mallory Stanley

2009 Kaylon Alexander

KC Clayton

Samantha Crowder

Taylor Fritz

Mallory Stanley

2008 Kaylon Alexander

Kaycie Artim

Debora Bolonhini

Sam Crowder

Taylor Fritz

Mallory Stanley

2007 Jill Walker

Shannon Phillips

Brittney Nakamura

2006 Carly Dunlop

Shannon Phillips

2005 Anielle Da Silva

Carly Dunlop

Shannon Phillips

Jill Walker

2004 Heather Anderson

Erin Dillie

Joy Okpa

Megan Rush

Shannon Phillips

2003 Heather Anderson

Joy Okpa

Megan Reush

Laura Osterhaus

2002 Heather Anderson

Megan Rush

Tanya Jarvis

Laura Osterhaus

2001 Elisa Sanchez

Tanya Jarvis

Michelle Twitty

Heather Anderson

Megan Rush

Kaitlyn Adams, 2018-19

Kaylon Alexander, 2008-10

Peggy Amadee, 1988

Heather Anderson, 2001-04

Laneigh Anderson, 1987

Lindsay Armstrong, 2006-09

Mandy Arnold, 1997-00

Kaycie Artim, 2006-08

Alejandra Aviles, 2013-16

Jennifer Avrett, 1990

Christine Beadling, 1994-95

Jaena Bell, 2021-22

Bridget Benditz, 2011

Laura Bernoski, 1993-96

Bianca Bin, 2008-11

Jill Bisballe, 1990-91

Debora Bolonhini, 2007-08

Rebekah Boyd, 2000

Emily Boylan, 2017-20

Jennifer Brauchle, 1989-90

Amy Brantley, 1987

Marcella Braz, 2011

Danielle Bristow, 2014

Kalee Cadwell, 2022

Fenix Calderon, 2012-13

Jordyn Carswell, 2018-21

Stacey Clark, 2002-05

KC Clayton, 2006-09

Maria Coelho, 2011-14

Karen Comish, 1987- 88

Rebecca Conly, 1987-88

Dana Cookson, 1998-99

Paige Cooper, 2011

Gina Cortesi, 2017

Kimberly Crawford, 1999

Jamie Cross, 2001

Samantha Crowder, 2006-09

Morgan Currie, 2018-19

Danielle Da Silva, 2005

Madeline Davis, 2016-19

Emilee Dechant, 2014

Jenny Denton, 2006

Laura De Pre, 2021

Erin Dillie, 2004

Deidre Doggett, 2005

Katie Dow, 1989-92

Carly Johnson Dunlop, 2005-06

VOLLEYBALL PARTICIPANTS

Carly Doros, 2021

Meghan Dunnigan, 2020-22

Laura Ebert, 1996-99

Laura Ehieze, 2019-20

Imana Ellis, 2021-22

Jessie Ely, 2013-14

Ashley Emanuel, 2006

Rhyann Enny, 2004

Carla Esquer, 2022

Kristen Fairbanks, 2003-07

Kelli Fitzpatrick, 1997-00

Taylor Fritz, 2007-10

Monica Fuentes, 1991-92

Caitlin Germany, 2010-12

Jennifer Goodwin, 2009-10

Dalane Guidry, 2012-14

Helena Gunnarsdóttir, 2014-15

Lauren Gustafson, 2005

Meghan Haas, 2005

Julie Haber, 1989

Nicole Harris, 1994

Ambra Hayes, 2003-06

Lara Hendricks, 2018

Heather Hickman, 1987

Samantha Hicks, 2020-21

Abigail Hildenbrand, 2018-20

Regan Himmelberg, 2011

Natalie Honore, 2018-20

Lori Hunsucker, 2009-10

Jailen Hurley, 2022

Veronica Ige, 2011

Sydney Jackwin, 2022

Tanya Jarvis, 2000-03

Kelly Jefferson, 1996-98

McKenzie Johnson, 2021-22

Nia Myah Johnson, 2016-17

Ashley Jones, 2022

Kara Jones, 2007-10

Jessica Kaeka, 2015

Natasha Kolunija, 2008-09

Apryl Koonce, 1992-94

Laurie LeBleu, 1998-99

Jackie Ledbetter, 1987

Kari Lemoine, 1990-93

Kate Lenaghan, 1989-92

Natalie Leui, 2015-16

Courtney Lile, 2001

Beanie Lincoln, 1988

Alexa Lister, 2015-16

Shekita Love, 1988

Tiffany Love, 1989-90

Lori Lowen, 1989

Misty Luersen, 1991-94

Andrea Macel, 1991-94

Emily Maher, 2011

Julia Mann, 1998-00

Andy Martin, 1987

Kacie Martin, 1997-00

Xzache Mathis, 2013

Marley Maurer, 2020-21

Jacie McClure, 2014-17

Katy McFadden, 2013-14

Hannah McRee, 2015

Mallory Meers, 2020-22

Janel Melancon, 1987-89

Faith Menary, 2020-21

Carter Mirich, 2017-20

Marta Monne, 2014-17

Autumn Moore, 1989-90

Lia Mora, 2000-03

Adria Morales, 2014-15

Carly Moyers, 2004

Mackenzie Murray, 2020-21

Brittney Nakamura, 2005-07

Leslie Nelson, 1987

Sarah Oesterling, 1993-96

Joy Okpa, 2003-04

Gabryel Ording, 2009-12

Laura Osterhaus, 2001-03

Nataliya Panova, 2009-11

Angela Papach, 2013-16

Jayde Penn, 2016-18

Shannon Phillips, 2004-07

Kassia Pinto, 2009-10

Mia Prostran, 2018-20

Keelie Rader, 1997

Rebecca Redgen, 2013-14

Sharla Richardson, 1991-94

Ana Rodrigues, 2011

Leslie Rolling, 1995

Maria Romanowski, 2005

Isabella Rosania, 2013

Michelle Rossi, 1989

Megan Rush, 2001-04

Lara Rupf, 1990-91

Courtney Rutledge, 2016-17

Stephany Salas, 2011-12

Elisa Sanchez, 1998-01

Elizabeth Sandoval, 2020

Cristine Sant’Anna, 2000-03

Erica Schultz, 2006

Jamie Shanks, 1992-96

Lindsey Sheppard, 1995-98

Brooke Short, 2014-17

Sabrina Sims, 2005

Natalie Shipp, 2002-04

Brianna Sibley, 1999-02

Sabrina Sims, 2003-04

Morgan Smith, 2020-22

Marcia Sneath, 2001

Andrea Spasojevic, 2022

Mallory Stanley, 2008-10

Sue Stewart, 1988

Sue Supis, 1989

Elena Takova, 2019-20

Anne Marie Taylor, 2011

Ashley Taylor, 2022

Heather Taylor, 1992

Michelle Twitty, 2000-01

Amy Underwood, 1996-99

Becky Valdez, 2002

Catharina Vandervoort, 1987

Chard'e Vanzandt, 2022

Marie-Helene Verlinden, 2017-20

Clara Vido, 2010-12

Makayla Vian, 2016-17

Allison Walker, 1997-99

Jill Walker, 2004-07

Molly Watkins, 2017-19

Vivian Weams, 1987

Erin Whitelock, 1989

Amy Wilkins, 1993-96

Lora Winzer, 1989

Kyla Woodward, 1989-92

Hannah Wright, 2013-16

Ainsley Yanz, 2020-22

Kathryn Zaunbrecher, 2016-17

Courtney Ziegenbein, 1994-97

Alyssa Zucco, 2017-20

Bold indicates current player

DR. LES GUICE

UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT @LKGuice

Dr. Les Guice and Louisiana Tech University share a rich history together that spans five decades. From an architecture student stepping on the campus for the first time in 1972 to his appointment as Louisiana Tech’s 14th President in 2013, Guice has shown an unwavering commitment to leadership and service to his alma mater.

One of Guice’s first achievements at Tech was earning a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture in 1976. While he was an undergraduate, Guice found a passion for Engineering and went on to earn a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Tech in 1978. He earned his PhD in Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University in 1986 and decided to pursue teaching as his career.

Guice’s dedication to his students and the University would lead to his appointment as Dean of the College of Engineering and Science (COES) in 1999. As Dean, Guice supported innovations in the college, including a transformative redesign of the first-year curriculum for engineering and science students.

With a focus on the future and a progressive vision for economic development, Guice led the planning and development of the Louisiana Tech Enterprise Campus – a research park connecting the University and downtown Ruston. The Enterprise Campus’ first building, Tech Pointe, was completed in 2012 and is now home for several companies and organizations. Construction on Tech Pointe II is near completion.

As president of Tech, Guice is the chief executive officer of north Louisiana’s only Carnegie Foundation national research university. The University is also one of only two public universities from Louisiana recognized in the top tier of national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

Throughout his career, Guice has contributed to and played a central role in creating the culture and vision for the future of Tech. His focus on campus-wide engagement, building and growing relationships, and leadership in forging a path

toward advancement of the University’s academic and athletic programs, research and commercialization activities, and economic development efforts means that Louisiana Tech University’s best days are yet to come.

Guice and his wife Kathy have three children and four grandchildren.

DR. ERIC A. WOOD

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS/VICE PRESIDENT @EWOOD_AD

Culture. Class. Competitive Excellence. Those are the pillars that Dr. Eric A. Wood has embraced and vocalized since stepping foot on the Louisiana Tech University campus Oct. 23, 2020 when he was formally introduced as Vice President and Director of Athletics by University President Dr. Les Guice.

The 24-year veteran of collegiate athletics came to Ruston following a five-year stint at UCF, becoming the first Director of Athletics in LA Tech history to also serve as a Vice President while also becoming the first African-American Vice President and the first minority Director of Athletics in the University’s history.

Wood’s energy, enthusiasm, and electric personality have hit home with the LA Tech student-athletes, coaches, support staff, and fan base during his three years as AD.

And since coming on board during one of the most trying times in collegiate athletics history, his leadership has helped LA Tech gain momentum – both on and off the playing surfaces.

Athletically, that momentum can be seen in the number of championships won.

• Baseball – 2021 CUSA West Division champions and 2022 CUSA Tournament champions

• Softball – 2022 CUSA Regular Season champions

• Women’s Basketball – 2022 CUSA West Division champions

• Men’s Basketball – 2021 CUSA West Division champions

LA Tech was the only Division I school in the country to have won a conference regular season title in baseball, softball, men’s basketball and women’s basketball within the two-year span of 2021-22. The Bulldog and Lady Techster Basketball teams also made it to the Conference USA Championship game in 2022, marking just the eighth time in CUSA history a school has had both programs advance to the finals.

Other team highlights during Wood’s tenure include the seventh straight bowl appearance by Bulldog Football, back-to-back-to-back NCAA Regional appearances by the Bowling program, Bulldog Basketball’s run to the 2021 NIT Final Four, individual NCAA postseason qualifiers in Track and Field and Golf, and back-to-back NCAA Regional appearances by Bulldog Baseball (including the first ever host of an NCAA Regional in 2021).

LA Tech also had plenty of champions in the classroom with numerous academic records broken during Wood’s time as AD.

• 987 single-year APR average and 981 multi-year APR average

• 230 student-athletes named to the CUSA Commissioner’s Honor Roll (2021-22)

• 75 student-athletes receiving the CUSA Commissioner’s Academic Medal (202122)

• 8 programs recording a perfect 1,000 single-year APR score (2021-22 and 202021)

Other impressive academic accomplishments over the last three years have included 39 conference All-Academic Team honorees, 34 CoSIDA Academic AllDistrict selections (record-high 22 in 2022-23), and six CoSIDA Academic AllAmerican selections (record-high three in 2020-21).

On the fundraising front, the University has totaled nearly $20M in dollars received in athletics during Wood’s tenure, including $6.18M for FY23. A primary reason for the increase in commitments this past year was due to the Aug. 1, 2022 launch of the Aillet Society, the first-ever major giving society with five-year commitments of $25,000 or more. Since the launch one year ago, 60 shareholders across seven states have joined the Aillet Society with the median gift being $50,000.

The Louisiana Tech Athletic Club (LTAC) continued to thrive as well in FY23 with a record 1,550 total donors, a 45 percent increase from FY22. LA Tech Athletics also felt the fundraising impact on University Giving Day on April 20 of this year, which ended with a record-setting $1.8M from 177 donors. The staff within LA Tech Athletics continues to play a role in philanthropic support with 100 percent giving among full-time employees all three years Wood has served as AD.

The many six- and seven-figure commitments made by individual donors have been for capital projects that support the Bulldog and Lady Techster student-athletes. The University opened brand new facilities in J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park, Dr. Billy Bundrick Softball Field, Robert Mack Caruthers Soccer Field, Origin Bank Soccer and Softball Complex, and additional support facilities that totaled in excess of $40 million in new athletics facility construction.

The latest capital project includes the construction of the Sarah and A.L.

Williams Champions Plaza, which will honor the most highly-decorated LA Tech student-athletes. The plaza is part of a revamped north end zone project at Joe Aillet Stadium that will include a new Daktronics video board and the new Student-Athlete Success Center.

All of these momentum-building moments have led to exponential growth in the brand as well through social media and the official athletics website LATechSports. com. There has been a 17.1 percent increase in followers across all social media platforms with half of the accounts generating at least a 15 percent growth in followers. The redesigned website saw its most web traffic ever with record highs in page views (3.06 million), sessions (1.34 million), and users (780,000+) in 2021-22.

All of these accomplishments are signs of the three pillars – Culture, Class and Competitive Excellence.

The Bronx, New York, native has also served in a variety of roles outside of LA Tech, having been appointed to the Division I NCAA Football Oversight Committee and to the Division I Council as well as being named Chair of the Football Success Committee.

Prior to making Ruston his new home, Wood spent more than two decades serving within athletics administration. In addition to his time at UCF, he has held full-time positions at the University of Arkansas, the Atlantic Coast Conference, Wake Forest University and the University of New Haven. He also served as a postgraduate intern at the NCAA national office and a graduate assistant at Clemson University early in his career.

At every level of his professional career, Wood has made an impact. His qualifications and accomplishments include:

• Sacred Heart University Board of Trustees

• Head coach hires in football (Sonny Cumbie), men’s basketball (Talvin Hester), softball (2022 CUSA Coach of the Year Josh Taylor), soccer (Steve Voltz), track and field (Brian Johnson), and tennis (Amy Sargeant)

• 2020-21 University of Arkansas Outstanding Alumni of the Year-College of Health, Human Performance & Recreation

• 2019 “Next Up” honoree presented by Adidas and College AD for senior level administrators

• Athletics Representative on the UCF Presidents Advisory Staff Council

• 2016 Top 40 Under 40 in the Arkansas Business Journal

• 2009 graduate of the NCAA’s Leadership Institute

• NCAA, NLI, Division I-A Athletics Director’s Association (Now Lead1), USTA committee service

• 1994-1998 NCAA football student-athlete

• 1998 Medal of Merit recipient as student-athlete of the Year

During his tenure at UCF, Wood served as a member of the executive leadership team while also representing the department on the President’s Advisory Staff Council and serving as sport administrator for the football and men’s basketball programs. Wood had administrative oversight of the Varsity Knights alumni letterwinners

organization, UCF Convocation Corporation management and revenue generation, Knights Sports Performance, the sport administrators group, the sports science and sports nutrition departments, compliance, academics and all internal units impacting the competitive success of UCF’s 450 student-athletes.

During his time in Fayetteville, Wood served as the Associate Athletics Director, Deputy Title IX Coordinator/Diversity Coordinator (2011-16) as well as the Assistant Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Development (2009-11).

Wood was the Director of Student-Athlete Programs and Compliance at the ACC (2005-09) following a stint as the Assistant Director for Compliance at Wake Forest (2004-05). He began his full-time collegiate athletic administration career as the Assistant AD for Compliance and Student Development at the University of New Haven (2003-04).

He is a 1998 graduate of Sacred Heart University, earning his degree in Psychology. He was a three-year starter at cornerback for the Pioneer football team with one outdoor season as a member of the track and field team.

Wood earned a Medal of Merit, the athletic department’s highest honor, as the Student-Athlete of the Year his senior year at Sacred Heart. He completed his master’s degree in counseling and guidance services at Clemson University in May 2000 and his Doctorate of Education in Sports Management at the University of Arkansas in 2016.

Wood and his wife Celia have four children – Eliana, Nia, Alyssa, and Elijah.

What They Said About Dr. Eric A. Wood

“His record of accomplishment shows Eric’s qualifications, but interacting with him quickly convinces you he is something really special. He is a dynamic, charismatic individual who leads with intelligence and character. It’s a rare combination, and we’re very fortunate to have him on our team.” – Louisiana Tech University

President Dr. Les Guice

“President Guice and Louisiana Tech University made an absolute home run hire. UCF’s loss is LA Tech’s gain. Eric Wood has had an enormous impact on our athletics program. Simply put, seemingly everything he touches turns to gold! I am grateful for Eric’s many contributions that have led to an unprecedented amount of competitive and academic success at UCF. His interpersonal skills are secondto-none, and combined with his competitive drive, his work with our coaches and student-athletes allowed us to break a whole lot of records around here. I couldn’t be happier for Eric, Celia, and their beautiful family, and I look forward to following their continued success in this new adventure.”

– University of Tennessee Director of Athletics Danny White

“I think Louisiana Tech University made an excellent decision in hiring Eric Wood as Director of Athletics. Eric is an effective leader with quality personal characteristics who has a great background as an athletics administrator that will serve the student-athletes, coaches, university and fans well at LA Tech. I am extremely happy for Eric, Celia and their children to be starting this next chapter in

Ruston, and I know he will do great things for the Bulldogs and Lady Techsters.” –University of Alabama Executive Deputy Director of Athletics Shane Lyons

“Dr. Wood is uniquely prepared to assume this leadership position at Louisiana Tech from his time as a student-athlete and throughout his wide variety of positions in collegiate athletics. His ability to lead and inspire student-athletes, coaches, and staff will energize the entire program. The Wood family will be a wonderful addition to the University community and the city of Ruston. I am excited for Eric, Celia and their beautiful family for this new opportunity.” – Former Kansas University Director of Athletics Jeff Long

“Louisiana Tech has made an outstanding hire in Dr. Eric Wood. He is a dedicated leader known for his integrity, his passion for student-athlete success, and his relentless commitment to competitive excellence. Widely regarded as one of the most talented rising stars in our profession, Eric builds strong relationships while maintaining high standards and expectations. Throughout his career, he has raised the performance of every unit, team and department under his supervision. Great things are in store for Louisiana Tech with Eric Wood as their next Director of Athletics.” – Ohio University Director of Athletics Julie Cromer

“Dr. Guice has made a tremendous hire in Eric Wood. I have known him for many years and he is a well-respected athletics administrator, but more importantly, he is a man of integrity and character. He and his beautiful family will be a wonderful addition to the Tech Family and Ruston Community.” – Rice Director of Athletics Tommy McClelland

“Having worked with Dr. Eric Wood over the last two years, I am not surprised by this incredible opportunity for him and his family at Louisiana Tech. He is a family man and a man of integrity. I know these qualities will serve him well in his new leadership role. Dr. Wood has a great depth of experience and a passion for helping young people by providing opportunities for them to succeed.” – Tennessee Head Football Coach Josh Heupel

“Doctor Eric Wood is everything a school could want in an athletic director. His greatest strength lies in his ability to connect with others. He is great with student athletes, administrators, and coaches. He will be greatly missed, but I can’t wait to see what he will accomplish at Louisiana Tech.” – UCF Head Men’s Basketball Coach Johnny Dawkins

“Congratulations to Louisiana Tech on the hiring of their new Director of Athletics Eric Wood. I have been blessed to work with Eric for four years at UCF and know that he is a man of great principles. He sets out every day to be a leader that makes a difference in everything he touches. Eric and his family will truly be missed by our UCF Family.” – Georgia Head Women’s Basketball Coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson