SHREVEPORT, La. - Centenary Ladies basketball Head Coach Justin LeBlanc announced his resignation Monday, August 8. LeBlanc has been hired as head women’s basketball coach at his alma mater, Millsaps College.

After five years as a Gents assistant, LeBlanc became head coach of the Ladies program for the 2015-2016 season. LeBlanc made an impact from the first contest, guiding the Ladies to a 23-point halftime lead and a 24-point win in the season opener against Dallas Christian on November 13, 2015.

This past season, the Maroon and White finished the year 9-17 and 3-13 in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference action, qualifying for the conference tournament for the first time in two seasons. On January 29, the Ladies blitzed Southwestern, 65-48, for their first victory against the Pirates in program history. 

The nine wins in the 2015-16 season ties the 2001-02 squad for the most wins since the 1982-83 campaign.

“I want to thank Justin for his tireless dedication to Gents and Ladies basketball these past six seasons,” said Director of Athletics and Wellness Dr. Bob Bunnell. “In one season as the head coach of Centenary women’s basketball, he did a phenomenal job in helping the team post its best record in more than a decade. Many coaches dream of coaching their alma mater, so this is a great opportunity for him. I wish Coach LeBlanc and his family the best.” 

Postseason accolades for the Ladies include three All-Conference performers in Briana Edwards (Third Team), Samantha Lyons, and Jasmine Morris (Honorable Mention).

Morris finished second in the conference with 14.8 points per game. Her 385 points is the second most all-time among freshmen in program history and the most in 32 seasons.

Prior to coaching the Ladies, LeBlanc assisted head Gents basketball coach Adam Walsh, working primarily with the guards and as the lead recruiter. There was no shortage of accolades acquired by basketball players LeBlanc helped mentor in his final three seasons as an assistant. Those honors include three straight SCAC Players of the Year, three straight Conference Newcomers of the Year, four All-Americans, four All-District selections, 12 All-Conference honors, and 12 SCAC Player of the Week recognitions.

The three consecutive Player and Newcomer (Freshman) Player of the Year awards is believed to be the first time in NCAA Men’s Basketball history that feat has been accomplished.

This will be Leblanc’s second stint at Millsaps. He served as an assistant men’s basketball coach from 2006-2010.