Softball Offseason

[CajunSID]

No question this is the most important offseason in program history. As said, tough roster, coaching and philosophy decisions coming.

What I’m most interested in is the caliber of player we can land in the portal. Are we still a program that can attract top 30 talent? Do we have the NIL money to compete for the ones we really want?

Unfortunately this program, in the ever- changing landscape of athletics, has a very short window.

If they can’t show the ability to land players addressing major areas of need, La Tech women’s basketball, here we come.

I 100% believe Coach Habetz will figure it out.

[VObserver]

So basically we just need a bunch of girls who hit .350 with 15 HRs and an All American pitcher??

That should be easy. Can’t wait for next year!

I didn't say that. Of course we would want all that, but we don't need all that to get back to where we were. We DO need more power and better clutch hitting and for Hoover/Delbry/Wheeler + a recruit or portal pitcher to be effective. The hitters don't need to hit .350 and have 15 HR, but .300+ and 8-10 HR would be nice. There are a number of those that may be in the portal this year. Once the portal opens, we will have a much better idea about what is available.

Remember, according to what I have heard, we will fund all 25 allowed scholarships next year, so everyone can get a full ride. Also the roster limit is 25; so no matter how much NIL money the big girls have, they can only give it to 25 girls. No more big rosters. There will be girls available.

[UL_Cajuns]

I am sure Coach Aly will figure it out, but we all have that fear of being the Lady Techsters Basketball story of college softball. Once Nationally recognized program for decades to long forgotten.

[VObserver]

Hardly, but they're out there, if you look for them. Covid Carolina found one...

No, they didn't. Picone is very good, but not elite.

[SlickRick]

I hope she has the toughness to make the hard decisions because there's more than a few to make, at least that's how I see it. She's had years and years of seeing top talent in the SEC, now comes the hard part of being the head coach.

[VObserver]

No question this is the most important offseason in program history. As said, tough roster, coaching and philosophy decisions coming.

What I’m most interested in is the caliber of player we can land in the portal. Are we still a program that can attract top 30 talent? Do we have the NIL money to compete for the ones we really want?

Unfortunately this program, in the ever- changing landscape of athletics, has a very short window.

If they can’t show the ability to land players addressing major areas of need, La Tech women’s basketball, here we come.

I 100% believe Coach Habetz will figure it out.

See the last paragraph of post 14. There will be quality players in the portal.

As to your comparison with LaTech WBB; they fell off a cliff because when Leon Barmore left, they hired someone other than Kim Mulkey, who was already on staff, and who Barmore promoted to Tech as his replacement. Though unlikely, they might still be great had they hired her.

[VObserver]

I hope she has the toughness to make the hard decisions because there's more than a few to make, at least that's how I see it. She's had years and years of seeing top talent in the SEC, now comes the hard part of being the head coach.

Completely agree, Rick, with everything you said here.

[JMV JustMyView]

No question this is the most important offseason in program history. As said, tough roster, coaching and philosophy decisions coming.

What I’m most interested in is the caliber of player we can land in the portal. Are we still a program that can attract top 30 talent? Do we have the NIL money to compete for the ones we really want?

Unfortunately this program, in the ever- changing landscape of athletics, has a very short window.

If they can’t show the ability to land players addressing major areas of need, La Tech women’s basketball, here we come.

I 100% believe Coach Habetz will figure it out.

I believe we will land a big time, talented local player in the portal.

[cajunref]

I believe we will land a big time, talented local player in the portal.

3B from Alabama.

[VObserver]

3B from Alabama.

She hit .310 for the Tide in limited playing time, going 13/42 with 9 Runs and 9 RBI, 2 doubles and 2 HR.

[JMV JustMyView]

3B from Alabama.

Great kid and great ball player.

[CajunSaint08]

In my opinion this off season will be the most critical off-season for the future of the program. I believe some tough decisions will need to be made with the roster and staff. Unfortunately the way this team was decimated and how the NIL and portal is, it may take a little longer to get back to a national level. Key off season questions marks:
1. What will this coaching staff look like next season? (I think the Cajuns will have two new assistant coaches)
2. Who transfers in? (I believe the Cajuns will hit the portal hard for experience players and power hitters)
3. Who transfers out? (Do the Cajuns cut bait with anyone who isn't contributing)
4. What does the team do different to reach the next level? (Getting Delbrey and Hoover 100% healthy will be huge for next season)
5. Will any incoming or red shirt freshman step up? (Look for Knox to be huge for the Cajuns next season, Haley Hart also could be a big time player)
6. How will the schedule play out? (Do the Cajuns continue to schedule hard or soften the schedule depending on the roster next season)

In my opinion everything from top to bottom that has any involvement with the program will need to be evaluated. A lot was learned for Coach Aly this season. I expect next season for the Cajuns to be back in a regional and regain the top spot in the conference. Geaux Cajuns.

Great points. I'm worried about losing Wheeler and Smith. Two very good players to rebuild the program around, as well as a couple of others. I'm scared NIL will entice them to move on. And I so heartily agree that this off season will be the most critical off-season for the future of the program.

These girls worked their butts off this year, but we did not have the talent that we have been spoiled with for the last 30 years. Looking forward to next year to go back to Cajun domination.