Anna 
Southeastern Louisiana University has named Jeff Dow as its new head women’s basketball coach, following a distinguished career that includes six conference championships and seven NCAA Tournament appearances. Dow replaces Ayla Guzzardo, who resigned after eight seasons. His hiring is subject to approval by the University of Louisiana System’s Board of Supervisors.
Dow, who spent the past six seasons at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), brings a wealth of experience to the Lady Lions. He has a career head coaching record of 344-271 and has contributed to 12 20-win seasons, eight NCAA Tournament appearances, and four WNIT appearances. Under Dow, UIW achieved its first NCAA Tournament appearance in women’s sports and posted a third straight winning season in 2024-25.
Not only successful on the court, Dow’s teams excelled academically and in the community. Every player on the 2024-25 UIW roster earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and more than 2,200 community service hours were completed during his tenure.
Southeastern Louisiana Director of Athletics, Jay Artigues, expressed enthusiasm about Dow’s appointment, praising his track record of success and his focus on academic and community involvement.
“I’m thankful to Dr. Wainwright and Jay Artigues for the incredible honor of leading a Southeastern Louisiana program that has established itself as one of the premier programs in the Southland Conference,” Dow said. He also expressed respect for the Lady Lions’ fan support and the foundation laid by Guzzardo and her staff.
Before his time at UIW, Dow coached at the University of Louisiana-Monroe, leading the Warhawks to historic achievements. He also had success at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he led the team to three NCAA Tournament appearances and a top-7 national ranking.
Dow’s coaching journey began at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where he made an immediate impact, finishing third in the Lone Star Conference despite being picked ninth.
The 2025-26 SLU women’s basketball season is set to tip off in November.
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