NEW ORLEANS – The University of New Orleans announced on Monday that head women's basketball coach Amy Champion will step down from her coaching position to focus on the duties associated with serving as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.
The head coach of the Lady Privateer basketball program since Apr. 7, 2004, Champion became the institution's third athletic director in less than a year when she added the role on an interim basis on Apr. 16, 2010.
The interim tag was removed on Oct. 14, 2010 with the endorsement of UNO Acting Chancellor Dr. Joe King and the LSU Board of Supervisors.
“When Division II membership emerged as the likely direction as we concluded our analysis, I realized this day may not be far behind it,” said Champion. “It is critical to our University that I step away from coaching to focus on the future of our department as we look towards Division II, adding sports and building a foundation for a nationally competitive program.”
To fill the vacancy she created, Champion announced that assistant Keeshawn Carter will take over the reins of the women's basketball program in the position of interim head coach for the 2011-12 season.
The upcoming season will be Carter's ninth as a member of the UNO coaching staff.
“Keeshawn knows everything about this University and brings stability to our program as we begin a transition to Division II, “said Champion. “She has earned this opportunity to fill the role of head coach in an interim capacity and knows that we will re-evaluate her role following the completion of the 2011-12 season.”
Carter's tenure on the coaching staff began when she served in the capacity of a student assistant and graduate assistant for two years following her playing career. In 2003, the native of Reserve, La. became the first-ever full-time third assistant for the Lady Privateers during the summer of 2003.
Carter will continue her lists of firsts as she becomes the first former UNO women's basketball player to lead the program.
“It is an honor that is not taken lightly,” said Carter. “I am very excited about this opportunity and glad that it comes at my alma mater.”
A four-year letterwinner, Carter saw action in 100 contests and made 32 starts for the Privateers during her undergraduate years on the Lakefront. A Sun Belt Conference Academic Honor Roll selection during her time at UNO, Carter averaged 6.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per contest over her career, serving in the role of co-captain during her senior season.
In 2005 recipient of a master's degree in education from UNO with a focus on psychosocial aspects of sport and exercise, Carter originally came to campus in 1997 from East St. John High School.
At ESJ, Carter graduated as the all-time leading scorer while leading the school to its first playoff win and first-ever district title during her senior season. A two-time team captain, Carter earned All-State and Academic All-State Honorable Mention honors in her senior season and was a three-time all-district selection.
The 2011-12 basketball schedule is nearly completed, allowing Carter to focus predominantly on recruiting, in addition to filling out a staff.
“Over these first 30 days, I must solidify our staff, our team and finalize recruiting for 2011,” said Carter. “We have had recruits in for visits with several more visits scheduled.”
The UNO athletic program received approval to move forward with the transition to Division II from the NCAA last week. The University has intentions of competing in the Gulf South Conference during the 2012-13 season.
TRANSACTION –
University of New Orleans – Announced the resignation of Amy Champion as head women's basketball coach and the promotion of assistant Keeshawn Carter to the role of interim head coach. Champion will remain on staff as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, a position she has held since April 2010.
