Tag: Louisiana State University

LSU Athletics Statement on former head soccer coach Brian Lee:

Posted on by Matt Delaney

LSU athletics and head soccer coach Brian Lee today announced that Lee will be vacating his position effective immediately.

“Brian has been with LSU for 14 years and we wish him and his family well at his next stop,” said vice chancellor and director of athletics Joe Alleva. “We enjoyed a season of success last year and we have an outstanding group of student-athletes who remain part of our program. We have an opportunity to build on last year’s success and we are very excited about the future of the LSU soccer program.”

LSU Celebrates a Legend: Coach Karen Bahnsen To Step Down from Women’s Golf

Posted on by Matt Delaney

BATON ROUGE — After nearly 34 years of treating her program like family, LSU Women’s Golf Head Coach Karen Bahnsen announced today she has decided to step down in order to focus on her immediate family’s needs.

“Coaching and mentoring these young women is one of the great honors of my life, and this decision is one of the most difficult,” said Bahnsen. “I have been a part of this program since it began. The young women who have played for me are my family. I will miss being with them on a daily basis.”

Bahnsen has contributed a lasting legacy to LSU Golf that began for her as the very first recruit in the program’s history in 1979.

“After so long there are almost too many people to thank,” said Bahnsen. “Every year has brought with it student-athletes, parents, coaches, administrators, staff and supporters who have become my family and so incredibly important in my journey.”

Bahnsen will take a position working with the Tiger Athletic Foundation helping to promote LSU Athletics in support of all LSU athletic programs.

“I am excited about the opportunity to stay involved with LSU Athletics and the Tiger Athletic Foundation,” said Bahnsen. “Once a Tiger, always a Tiger!”

After her career as a student-athlete in women’s golf at LSU, Bahnsen graduated in 1984 and became the head coach prior to the 1984-1985 season. In just two years, she had the number one player in the country, five team titles and a top NCAA Championship finish.

“This is a celebration of one of the truly great coaches and people we have had at LSU,” said Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Joe Alleva. “Records and champions are one thing – but she has influenced generations of people with her enthusiasm, intelligence and loving support.”

Her legacy as a true pioneer in women’s golf at LSU is unmatched. A Women’s Golf Coaches Association Hall of Famer, Bahnsen has long prioritized her role as a mentor and teacher for her student-athletes.

“Being the golf coach has given me the opportunity to help shape the lives of young women,” said Bahnsen. “I have been able to teach them that they can be successful as a woman in whatever career they desire. It’s what has motivated me to coach for the last 34 years.”

Bahnsen has also had great success on the course. In her 34 years, she has amassed a war chest of accomplishments.

Karen Bahnsen Career Highlights:

23 WGCA All-Americans

46 All-SEC

7 NCAA Top 10 Finishes (includes 3rd place finishes in 2011 & 2012)

12 NCAA Finals Appearances

1 NCAA Individual Champion (Austin Ernst, 2011)

40 Team Tournament Wins

1 SEC Championship

23 Former players on professional tours or serving as golf pros

33 WGCA Scholar-Athletes

124 Academic & Freshmen Academic All-SEC

2 SEC Coach of the Year

2008 Women’s Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame

2015 Mobile Sports Hall of Fam

LSU TO SELF-IMPOSE PENALTIES FOR WOMEN’S TENNIS

Posted on by Matt Delaney

BATON ROUGE — LSU is self-imposing penalties on the women’s tennis program based on the NCAA’s determination of a Level III/secondary violation originally reported to the NCAA by university officials.

Upon becoming aware of the alleged violations in early May 2017, LSU conducted a cooperative investigation with NCAA officials. LSU notified Julia and Michael Sell, the women’s tennis co-head coaches, in July of initial penalties the school would self-impose on the program while the matter was investigated.

“Julia and Michael are terrific coaches and honorable people and we stand firmly by them in this matter,” said Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Joe Alleva. “We’re also going to learn from this for the future and be accountable with these self-imposed penalties.”

The NCAA identified three areas of violations. LSU gear, valued at $68, was given to a prospective student athlete. Two prospects participated in hitting sessions in violation of NCAA “tryout” legislation. A $250 payment was made to a former LSU tennis player who conducted hitting session with a prospect during the academic year. Though a former student, the payment for his services is considered a violation due to the close proximity of his recently concluded eligibility.

LSU has self-imposed multiple penalties that include a 30-day suspension of recruiting, a one-week suspension of practice, and prospects will not be allowed to hit at LSU’s tennis facilities for one academic year. Alleva said additional continuing education on compliance rules will be mandated for tennis coaches and staff.

The NCAA has accepted these penalties, and the matter is now closed.