Softball: STM hires Webre as new head coach

Kevin Foote • kfoote@theadvertiser.com • June 20, 2009

Joy Webre knows the expectations will be high as she begins her career as a head softball coach with the defending Class 5A state champion St. Thomas More Lady Cougars next season.

Don’t expect Webre to be intimidated by the pressure, however. Being a part of a program with lofty goals is all she’s ever known.

Webre was selected as the replacement for Andria Waguespack, who resigned earlier this month to accept an assistant coaching position at Louisiana College.

Webre comes to STM after a stellar prep career that included two state championships at Denham Springs and a standout college career with the UL Ragin’ Cajuns from 2002-05 that included a trip to the College Softball World Series. Webre also served as an assistant coach under Michael and Stefni Lotief for the past two seasons, which featured a second World Series appearance.

"Ever since I moved here, STM has always had a very good program,” Webre said. "I’ve also played with girls from the STM team. There’s always going to be pressure to win, but I’m not really looking at it that way.

"I feel confident that I will be able to bring some things to this program to help it continue to be successful.”

STM athletic director Kim Broussard said he doesn’t look at Webre’s lack of head coaching experience as a negative taking over a state championship-caliber program.

"That’s not a concern of mine at all,” Broussard said. "Andria actually didn’t have any high school head coaching experience either when we hired her and that worked out great. I think the experience Joy gained working under Mike and Stefni at UL is going to be invaluable to her as a head coach.

"There are just so many things to like about Joy. She’s been a part of winning programs since high school. And I think her name recognition is going to be good for the program. I think any player in our program right now can’t help but be excited to have a member of a program like that (UL) being your coach now.”

Webre takes over a team that lost three key senior members in catcher Lauren Houston to LSU, shortstop Jennifer Martin to UL and first baseman Emily Vining.

She does inherit, however, a returning All-State pitcher in Prophet Gaspard and a group of promising young players, led by sophomore outfielder Shellie Landry.

A catcher by trade, Webre said she’s comfortable being the primary coach for pitchers or hitters, but won’t make that decision until her staff is completed.

Webre is UL’s all-time season and career leader in putouts.