Star McNeese coach Ayla Guzzardo leaves for Georgia

Guzzardo departs after just one record-breaking season with the Cowgirls

Apr. 5, 2026 at 6:50pm

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Ayla Guzzardo, who led the McNeese State women's basketball team to a 29-6 record and the Southland Conference regular season title in her first and only season as head coach, has accepted the head coaching job at the University of Georgia in the SEC. Guzzardo's sudden departure comes just days after she signed a new five-year contract to remain at McNeese as the highest-paid women's coach in school history.

Why it matters

Guzzardo's quick exit is a major blow to the McNeese program, which will now have to find a new head coach just as the critical transfer portal window opens. Her departure also highlights the challenges smaller programs face in retaining top coaching talent, especially when Power 5 schools come calling with lucrative offers.

The details

Guzzardo, who previously spent eight seasons building Southeastern Louisiana into a Southland Conference power, turned around the McNeese program in her lone season, leading the Cowgirls to a 21-1 conference record and the program's first regular season title. She signed a new five-year deal with McNeese just days ago, but was swayed by Georgia's offer of a five-year, $600,000 per year contract plus a $1.3 million annual NIL budget.

  • Guzzardo was named the new Georgia women's basketball coach on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
  • Guzzardo signed a new five-year contract to remain at McNeese just days before accepting the Georgia job.
  • McNeese athletic director Heath Schroyer resigned on March 31, 2026, triggering an increase in Guzzardo's buyout from $37,500 to $75,000.

The players

Ayla Guzzardo

The new head women's basketball coach at the University of Georgia, Guzzardo spent just one record-breaking season as the head coach at McNeese State before accepting the SEC job.

Josh Brooks

The athletic director at the University of Georgia, who led the search that resulted in Guzzardo's hiring as the Lady Bulldogs' new head coach.

Heath Schroyer

The former athletic director at McNeese State, who resigned on March 31, 2026, triggering an increase in Guzzardo's buyout from the university.

Bridget Martin

The interim athletic director at McNeese State following Schroyer's departure.

Dakota Howard

The Southland Conference Freshman of the Year who led McNeese in scoring and rebounding last season, and could potentially follow Guzzardo to Georgia.

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What they’re saying

“We are excited to welcome Ayla and her family to the University of Georgia. This is a great day for our women's basketball program. When looking for the next head coach, our goal was to find someone who would connect with our fans, support our student-athletes and continue to build on the proud tradition of Lady Bulldog basketball. Ayla's passion is unmatched. She is a proven winner and someone our fans will love following. We can't wait for her to get started.”

— Josh Brooks, Georgia Athletic Director

“It is just too good of an opportunity to pass up. For me and my family, this is the best thing for us. It's something I had to do.”

— Ayla Guzzardo

“We had a great year at McNeese and I loved Lake Charles. I will miss the community and the fans. How they got behind us in our first year was really special. McNeese is a special place that will continue to grow.”

— Ayla Guzzardo

What’s next

McNeese State will now begin a search for a new women's basketball head coach as the transfer portal opens, putting them behind in the process of rebuilding the program after Guzzardo's sudden departure.

The takeaway

Guzzardo's move from a mid-major program to a Power 5 school highlights the challenges smaller athletic departments face in retaining top coaching talent, especially when larger universities can offer significantly more lucrative contracts and resources. This departure will test McNeese's ability to quickly rebound and find a new leader to continue the momentum Guzzardo built in her lone season.