Athletic Administration: Associate AD Sherry LeBas to Wrap Up Landmark Career in June

LAFAYETTE – After 39 years of loyal, dedicated and distinguished service to the University of Louisiana – all but two years spent as an administrator in the Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics Department – Associate Athletics Director/Senior Woman Administrator Sherry LeBas will retire on June 30.

Hired as the coordinator of women’s athletics in 1975, becoming the first-ever full time female athletics administrator for the Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics Department, LeBas began an unchartered path and developed a legacy in women’s athletics at UL that continues to grow.

“I have had the privilege of working alongside many great staff members and coaches on a daily basis who truly cared about doing the best job to make this University and athletic department a top Division I program,” LeBas stated. “It will be hard to walk out of my office at Earl K. Long Gym for the last time. I loved being an administrator in athletics at this University.

“I will not turn out the lights, but will leave them on knowing that I will return in a different capacity…a loyal fan and a great volunteer.”

In charge of Ragin’ Cajuns women’s athletics since their inception, she witnessed tremendous growth from three sports to eight. When first hired, UL sponsored women’s sports in tennis, volleyball and women’s basketball. LeBas oversaw the expansion of women’s sports with the addition of cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, softball and soccer.

“Sherry is a true pioneer in women’s athletics who has given her heart and soul to the University and its athletic programs,” University of Louisiana Director of Athletics Scott Farmer said. “Through her hard work and dedication to making things better, she has positively touched the lives of countless student-athletes in a career that has spanned five decades.  She came to work every day intent on doing what was best for the University and its student-athletes and we are a better institution for it.  She will be missed.”

The Opelousas native has been the only senior woman administrator the athletic department has had since the role was mandated by the NCAA and has handled event management for all sports, both men and women, for the past three decades.

“Toby (Warren) was the athletic director who created a new position in athletics as coordinator of women’s athletics, which started me on this journey,” LeBas remarked. “I’m glad he decided to take a chance on a little country girl from Opelousas.”

LeBas, a 1971 graduate of UL, began her tenure at the University in 1973 as an instructor in the Health and Physical Education department.

“Dr. Ed Dugas hired me and saw my potential,” LeBas said. “He encouraged me to take the job in athletics when I was approached. He has always been a wonderful mentor.”

Upon assuming her first role in athletics two years later, she would add head coaching duties in addition to oversight of women’s sports.

LeBas first served as women’s tennis coach two different seasons (1977 and 1978) and then spent six seasons as head coach of the Ragin’ Cajuns volleyball team from 1980-85, compiling the second-most victories (111) in program history. In 1981, she led the Cajuns volleyball team to the LAIAW State Volleyball championship.

She stepped down from coaching duties in 1985 to devote her full attention to administrative duties.

Her role developed throughout the years with additional responsibilities, including athletic department compliance liaison with various University departments, coaching men’s tennis for a three-week period, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee sponsor and advisor for both the Ragin’ Jazz dance team and UL cheerleaders.

LeBas played an instrumental part in helping the athletics department secure the first NCAA Softball Regional in Lafayette in 1990. With her guidance as regional site tournament director, the athletic department set some of the current standards that are required by the NCAA for sites today – a key factor which led to Lamson Park hosting an additional seven NCAA Regional tournaments (1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2002).

LeBas continued to serve as the athletic department’s lead event management administrator, serving as tournament director for the 2000 NCAA Baseball Regional at M.L. “Tigue” Moore Field and coordinating the 2003 New Orleans Saints Black and Gold Extravaganza and the 2005 New Orleans Bowl hosted at Cajun Field.

LeBas has served as administrative advisor for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee since its inception, helping develop numerous community outreach programs for student-athletes such as the Thanksgiving Food Drive, Reading in Red and Cajun Fingerprints.

LeBas also monitored the department’s compliance with Title IX regulations. In 2007, she was promoted to associate athletic director.

LeBas was the recipient of the 2003 Ragin’ Cajuns Spirit Award given to a faculty or staff member for their contributions above and beyond their job responsibilities. In July 2004, she was named Outstanding Assistant Athletic Director by the All-American Football Foundation.

Most recently she coordinated event management details for women’s athletics, played an integral role in the Beryl Shipley Classic reaching out to many individuals associated with Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball during the Shipley era, and served as athletics department contact for reunions in men’s basketball and track and field.

“I leave behind the people who I have come to know as family. I have made many friends for life,” LeBas commented. “I have had the time of my life with many wonderful memories. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey.

“I look forward to the next leg of my journey and being able to spend more time with my mom and dad, my son Robbie as well as being able to be ‘Maw Maw’ to my grandson Carter. I hope the next 39 years are as exciting as the past 39.”

LeBas graduated from UL in 1971 in physical education and dance and received her master’s degree in education in 1973. She was a member and choreographer of the “Sweethearts”, UL’s dance team, and participated in several athletics programs as a student.

She helped start the tradition of Aretha Franklin’s song “Respect” being played at every Cajuns athletics event when for a halftime performance at McNaspy Stadium in the late 1960s, the “Sweethearts” performed a routine as the band played the song. From that point on, the song became a part of UL tradition still used today.

WHAT COLLEAGUES ARE SAYING ABOUT SHERRY LEBAS…

Former Ragin’ Cajuns Director of Athletic Training (1982-2011) John Porche:

“I had the privilege to work side-by-side with Sherry LeBas for 29 wonderful years.  We developed a friendship that will last forever. Sherry truly loves UL athletics and has devoted her entire adult life to making it a better department.  She just wanted to do anything it took to better UL Athletics. Sherry would always support the coaches and was not afraid to fight for them in administrative meetings. I spent 42 years in college and professional sports and I can say without a doubt that Sherry is one of the most loyal and dedicated people I ever had the fortune to come in contact with.  Sherry will be missed a great deal by the University; people just don’t know how much she did behind the scenes.”

Former Sun Belt Conference Commissioner (1998-2012) and Ragin’ Cajuns Assistant Athletic Director (1983-84) Wright Waters:

“My association with Sherry goes back to 1983. Sherry was a pioneer in women’s athletics. She made the move from coach to administration while being a mother. Always loyal to the University and the student-athletes, she will be remembered as someone you could always count on to do the right thing.”

Former Sun Belt Conference Assistant Commissioner (2001-07) and former Southern Miss volleyball head coach (1980-90) Helen Grant:

“Sherry has been a great friend and associate throughout my career.  We met while she was coaching volleyball at ‘USL’ and I was coaching at Southern Miss.  She became a great mentor for me.  Sherry has been an exemplary coach and athletics administrator.  Her leadership at the University of Louisiana has certainly been one of complete dedication and determination to be the best you can be for Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics and the world of intercollegiate athletics.  She has touched the lives of so many student-athletes, coaches and administrators and made their path so much easier to travel.  Thank you Sherry for all you did to support me in my career in athletics and the careers of so many others.  The world of intercollegiate athletics is a better place because of you.”

Ragin’ Cajuns Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations John Dugas:

“I am fortunate to have worked with Ms. Sherry for the past 18 years. It’s hard to imagine someone that has given more of themself to this University personally and professionally. Her passion and dedication is something that will be sorely missed, and will never be replaced. When the Pride of Acadiana plays ‘Respect’ at Ragin’ Cajuns events, those of us who knew her best will think of her.”

Coordinator of Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns Athletic Network and former University of Louisiana Health and Physical Education Department Head (1975-80) Dr. Ed Dugas:

“While head of the Health and Physical Education Department in 1975, I was asked to recommend a faculty member to assist with the development of the athletics program for women. My recommendation was Sherry LeBas, one or our most dynamic faculty members. Since 1975, Sherry has distinguished herself as a coach and administrator in a dedicated manner. Her team spirit, exhaustive attention to details, creative ideas and solutions, and sense of fair-play in all her activities are admired by all who knew her and interacted with her. Her strong commitment to the improved welfare of our student-athletes and her colleagues are hallmarks of her tenure.”

Western Kentucky Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator Pam Herriford:

“Sherry has been ‘the glue’ for many years at athletic events at UL.  She has worn multiple hats in her years as an event management administrator and senior woman administrator.  She would always be the first one there and the last one to leave.  There was never a job to small for her. We will all miss her smiling face as she greeted the visiting teams and fans.”

Middle Tennessee Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator Diane Turnham:

“Sherry LeBas is a great lady with a huge heart for athletics and student-athletes.  Since our arrival into the Sun Belt Conference, she has been a respected ambassador for the University of Louisiana and the Sun Belt Conference.  You cannot attend an event in Lafayette without seeing Sherry LeBas.  She has dedicated her life to the University and its athletics programs. She is a friend and a mentor to so many people.  She will be greatly missed by all of us.  I wish her the best as she begins this new phase of her life.”

University of Louisiana co-head softball coach Stefni Lotief:

“Sherry has been beyond dedicated to her fellow colleagues, guidance of the University’s athletes, representation of the females as the senior woman administrator, and all endeavors involving the hosting of competition. After 39 years of service as a teacher, coach and administrator it is time for her to admire her accomplishments.  The best compliment and statement that I can make about Sherry is that she is a true friend and we all love her and will miss her tremendously as she continues life’s journey as a daughter, mother and grandmother. I am in hopes that she will continue to find joy in all that she does and relish in her accomplishments and feats that she had a hand in at the University of Louisiana and Ragin’ Cajun Athletics. We love her, respect her and will deeply miss her! Thanks friend and mentor, we are privileged to have worked with you!”

 

— Ragin’ Cajuns —