McNeese Names Ashton Feldhaus as New Women’s Basketball Coach

Lake Charles, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - Just two days after learning that Ayla Guzzardo had slipped town after just one season in Lake Charles, McNeese worked quickly to find its next women's basketball coach.

Tuesday, it was announced that Ashton Feldhaus will be the next coach to lead the rediscovered McNeese Women's Basketball program.

“I’m incredibly excited to be part of a place that has so much momentum and so many great things already happening,” said Feldhaus. “Coming off such a successful season, it’s clear this program is built on a strong foundation, and I’m honored to help build on that success. I’m especially excited to be part of the community in Southwest Louisiana and to work alongside them as we continue striving to win championships and compete at the highest level.

“I want to give a special thank you to Miss Bridget (Martin) for the way she led this process. She moved swiftly but made sure I understood everything about McNeese and what makes it such a special place. Even with the fast turnaround, she made me feel at home from the very beginning, and I’m incredibly grateful for her leadership and belief in me.”

Feldhaus, a Kentucky native, is coming off her first season at Morehead State, where she led the program to an 18-15 record in her first season. Before her arrival, the team had gone a combined 25-35 over the previous two seasons, showing quick improvement under her leadership.

In her first season, Ashton Feldhaus led Morehead State to 13 conference wins, tying a program record for a first-year coach, while earning four NET Top 100 victories. Before her season at Morehead State, she was at Missouri Western, where she led the Griffons to a 20-win season and an NCAA Division II Tournament appearance. At just 30 years old, she became the youngest Division I head coach in the country.

Feldhaus also spent five seasons as an assistant and associate head coach at Eckerd College, helping guide the program to five straight NCAA Tournament appearances and a 91-28 record. She has been recognized nationally as part of the WBCA 30 Under 30 class.

As a player, Feldhaus starred at UT Martin, earning All-Ohio Valley Conference honors. Ashton Feldhaus comes from a strong Kentucky basketball family, with ties to legendary coaches Adolph Rupp and Rick Pitino. Her grandfather coached high school basketball for 27 years, and her family includes Deron Feldhaus, a member of The Unforgettables.

Now, Ashton Feldhaus will look to build upon the recent success of the McNeese Women's program, which saw Ayla Guzzardo lead the Cowgirls to one of the best seasons in program history, which included making their first trip to the postseason since 2016.

“We are excited to welcome Ashton to McNeese,” said Martin. “The success she has achieved in a short amount of time as head coach is a testament not only to her knowledge of the game, but to her ability to establish a winning culture and meaningful relationships that extend beyond the basketball court.”