Yvette Girouard – Health and Physical Education, 1976

Yvette Girouard

 1976 – Health and Physical Education

                These are memories of an alumna and the only USL Softball Coach to date.  Many memories flood to the forefront as I write this letter, and I struggle to start and try to organize twenty-two years of my life spent on the USL campus.  After graduating from the College of Education in 1976, I spent four years in the local school system teaching and coaching.  USL approached me in 1981 and employed me as their first softball coach.  Nineteen years later, your Lady Cajun Softball teams have amassed over 650 wins, produced 24 All – Americans, 13 Academic All – Americans, played for the National Championship three times (as we played at the Women’s College World Series) and garnerd  two National Coach of The Year awards, while establishing itself as the 3rd winningest program of the nineties.

                Memories of starting the program with a make-shift field on Bertrand Drive and the foresight of Dr. Authement to place Lady Cajun Park at the old dairy farm location are very vivid to me.  Was I less than pleased when I first saw the site!  Barns, cows, bulls, mice, no access to the field and five foot tall grass welcomed me at first.  In 1997, Lady Cajun Park was recognized as the “Best Softball Field In The Country.”  Needless to say growing very green grass has never been a problem.

                Never, in my mind as a student, did I envision having an office in Earl K. Long gym where I attended classes.  Never, did I dream of being a college coach.  Nineteen years later my alma mater has provided me with the true passion in my life  – Lady Cajun Softball.