McNeese State University Softball

James Landreneau, the programs winningest coach, completed his 14th overall season and 10th as head coach in 2026 by leading McNeese to its sixth Southland Conference Tournament title and its sixth NCAA Tournament appearance. Landreneau guided the Cowgirls to a 40-22 overall record, his seventh 40-win season in 10 years and 40 wins in the last five years. Landreneau has a 379-201 career record and a 181-50 conference record. He picked up his 300th career win on Feb. 7, 2025 against Marist and became McNeese's winningest coach one week later (Feb. 15) against Missouri State for his 303rd career win. Landreneau has coached two All-Americans (Erika Piancastelli, Justyce McClain), 59 All-Southland Conference selections, Four SLC Hitters and Players of the Year, four SLC Pitchers of the Year, two SLC Newcomers of the Year, two SLC Freshmen of the Year, four SLC Tournament MVP's, eight All-Region picks, and 12 All-Louisiana selections. In 2017, Landreneau guided McNeese to a school record 24 conference wins, tied the school record with 43 wins, the 2017 Southland Conference regular season title, the SLC Tournament title and an NCAA Regional appearance as well as being named the league's Coach of the Year in his first season as head coach. The native of Mamou, La. resides in Lake Charles with his two children, Aubrey and Jaxon.

Former Cowgirl catcher Emily Phillips returns to Lake Charles as an assistant coach, serving as recruiting coordinator and will also oversee the catchers.   Phillips,

Hope Trautwein-Valdespino , a member of the 2022 Women's College World Series All-Tournament team, enters her first season as a McNeese assistant coach after spending