Louisiana Softball Introduces Alyson Habetz

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – Louisiana’s favorite daughter has come home.

Friday’s introductory press conference for new Louisiana Softball Head Coach Alyson Habetz was filled with laughter, tears, and smiles. There were tons of memorable moments throughout, starting with a behind-the-scenes look at how Louisiana Athletic Director Dr. Bryan Maggard was able to get Coach Habetz back home to Cajun country.

“It was a 10 a.m. meeting at PJ’s Coffee in Scott, Louisiana. After some small talk and catching up, the conversation about the coaching vacancy started. We sat in PJ’s Coffee for five hours,” Maggard said.

Habetz responded to Maggard’s determination to make a deal by saying, “Your persistence, your patience, your smart recruiting strategy is pretty impressive. I mean, looking up mom, that was well played.”

An essential part of Habetz’s life is family. More than a dozen members of the Habetz family were on hand for Friday’s induction, including her mother, Deanna. Coach Habetz was set to retire from her role at the University of Alabama in 2023 to return to Crowley and care for her. Dr. Maggard honored Momma D by naming her an honorary head coach and presenting her with a custom jersey.

“Oh, that means everything. Because mom is the reason I retired. You know me, mom college. So the whole point of all this was that it was originally a hard no because I have to take care of my mother. That’s why I came home. But knowing that I can take care of her and do something I love and she can be a part of that is positive. I never even thought about that.” Habetz said.

Make no mistake: behind that infectious smile is a leader looking to continue a winning culture with her former team.

When addressing fans about the consistency of the softball program, Habetz said, “I want to win. I mean, make no mistake about it. I’m competitive. I want to win. I want to win the natty. That’s the expectation every year. So fans just know ahead of time. That’s my expectation. Okay. Without a doubt.”

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