McNeese Cowgirls Coach Ayla Guzzardo Rewarded with 5-Year Contract Extension

Guzzardo led the Cowgirls to a record-breaking turnaround season and the Southland Conference regular season title.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:04pm

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After leading the McNeese Cowgirls women's basketball team to the greatest turnaround in program and Southland Conference history, head coach Ayla Guzzardo has been rewarded with a new 5-year contract extension through the 2031 season, McNeese's VP/Director of Athletics Heath Schroyer announced.

Why it matters

Guzzardo's impressive first-year turnaround of the Cowgirls program, going from 10-21 to 28-5 and winning the Southland Conference regular season title, is one of the best single-season improvements in Division I women's basketball history. This contract extension shows McNeese's commitment to building a championship-caliber program under Guzzardo's leadership.

The details

In her inaugural 2025-26 season, Guzzardo led the Cowgirls to a 28-5 overall record and a 21-1 mark in Southland Conference play, setting new school and league records. The Cowgirls also won a school-record 21 consecutive games during the season. McNeese led the Southland in attendance, averaging 2,645 fans per game, which ranked 12th nationally and second in Louisiana behind LSU.

  • Guzzardo was hired as McNeese's head coach prior to the 2025-26 season.
  • The Cowgirls went 28-5 overall and 21-1 in Southland Conference play in the 2025-26 season.
  • McNeese will play in its first-ever WBIT postseason tournament this week, visiting Texas A&M on Thursday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Ayla Guzzardo

The head coach of the McNeese Cowgirls women's basketball team, who led the program to a remarkable turnaround in her first season.

Heath Schroyer

The VP/Director of Athletics at McNeese, who announced Guzzardo's 5-year contract extension.

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What they’re saying

“It's an honor to sign Coach Guzzardo to a new contract and extension. She has completely transformed this program and there is not a doubt in my mind that there will be more championships in our future as well as NCAA Tournament bids. It's clear that we have one of the best coaches in women's basketball, and I couldn't be more excited about the future of our program under Coach Guzzardo.”

— Heath Schroyer, VP/Director of Athletics, McNeese

“I want to thank the leadership at McNeese for believing in me and our staff to continue leading this program. I'm incredibly proud of our student-athletes and the culture we're building here. The support from the McNeese community means a lot to our team. I'm excited about the future of McNeese women's basketball, and I'm committed to continuing to grow this program the right way. Geaux Pokes!”

— Ayla Guzzardo, Head Coach, McNeese Cowgirls

What’s next

The Cowgirls will play in their first-ever WBIT postseason tournament this week, visiting Texas A&M on Thursday, March 16, 2026.

The takeaway

Ayla Guzzardo's remarkable first-season turnaround of the McNeese Cowgirls program, going from 10-21 to 28-5 and winning the Southland Conference regular season title, is one of the best single-season improvements in Division I women's basketball history. McNeese's commitment to Guzzardo with a 5-year contract extension shows their belief that she can continue building the Cowgirls into a championship-caliber program.