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Tulane University welcomes first Black coach to women’s basketball program

raeven poole
·2 min read

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Tulane University has selected a new head coach to lead its women’s basketball program.

On Tuesday, April 2, Tulane officials announced that 2009 Tulane graduate Ashley Langford will become the seventh head coach and the first Black woman to lead the program.

Tulane President Michael A. Fitts said that as a former member of the team, Langford understands the importance of success on and off the court.

“Her commitment to both athletics and academics was central to her selection as our new head coach. We couldn’t be more delighted to welcome her back to campus,” said Fitts.

Before becoming a coach, Langford played point guard for the Green Wave from 2005 to 2009. She is recognized a Tulane’s career leader in assists with 772, 6.0 assists per game and 34.4 minutes per game.

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She also ranks in the top 10 in the program’s career statistical categories.

During her time at Tulane, Langford was Conference USA’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year as a senior in addition to being a three-time All-Conference selection. Also, she was a member of C-USA’s All-Freshman Team in 2006, which earned her Freshman All-America honors by the Women’s Basketball News Service.

“I want to thank President Fitts and David Harris for offering me the opportunity to come home,” Langford said. “Tulane has always held a special place in my heart and I’m excited to give back to the University that helped shape me. My experience at Tulane ignited a passion for basketball that has carried me to this moment.

In total, Langford scored 1,047 points during her collegiate career and was inducted into the school’s athletics Hall of Fame in 2018.

“Taking over for Coach (Lisa) Stockton, MY coach, is surreal. It brings me full circle. To all the Tulanians, I plan to make you proud. Now, let’s get to work.”

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Langford is returning to New Orleans from Stony Brook University where she coached the Seawolves to a 69-24 record over the course of three years. Her winning percentage with the team was .741 which is the highest in the program’s history.

By the end of the 2023-2024 season, Langford was bestowed the conference Coach of the Year honor.

Langford will be officially introduced in a news conference on Tuesday, April 9 at 1 p.m. at Yulman Stadium. The event is open to the public.

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