LAKE CHARLES—McNeese women's basketball assistant coach Kacie Cryer, who for seven years has been played a big part in the success of the Cowgirls' basketball program under Brooks Donald Williams, has been promoted to head coach McNeese Director of Athletics Bruce Hemphill announced on Friday.

"Kacie is known as a rising star among assistant coaches across the U.S. and she has a passion for women's collegiate athletics," said Hemphill. "She has the unique perspective of both a collegiate student-athlete and a Division I assistant coach. She is an excellent recruiter and was instrumental in bringing in all of next year's team, including this fall's incoming freshman class to McNeese.

"She cares deeply for her players' welfare as athletes and students and I know she will carry on the tradition of community and university service begun by Brooks that has become a trademark of Cowgirl Basketball.

"Kacie has a tremendous work ethic and the tenacity to quickly make this team her own."

Cryer takes over for Williams who resigned Thursday to accept a position at the University of Alabama.

McNeese will hold an introductory press conference next Thursday at 4 p.m. in the Endzone Club located on the second floor at the Jack Doland Fieldhouse.

"I want to first thank Dr. Philip Williams, Bruce Hemphill and Bridget Martin for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be the head coach at McNeese," said Cryer. "I am honored, blessed and excited to have this chance to continue the success of this established program that I have been associated with for seven years.

"Coach (Brooks) Williams has done a tremendous job at McNeese and I plan on continuing the success she has already put in place. I will work extremely hard to get this program to a higher level."

A native of Abbeville and one of the rising young coaches in the business, Cryer began her coaching career at McNeese back in 2008 as a graduate assistant and has spent the last five seasons as the program's recruiting coordinator. In those five years as the head of recruiting, the Cowgirls won a total of 103 games, an average of 20 wins a season.

In addition to her recruiting duties, Cryer has coached both the guard and post positions during her tenure at McNeese, developing standout players such as Cecilia Okoye, Allison Baggett and Jayln Johnson.

After taking a year off from coaching basketball following the 2010 season, Cryer returned to the McNeese bench for the 2011-12 slate and helped guide the Cowgirls to their second consecutive Southland Conference Tournament championship and NCAA Tournament appearance.

A year later the Cowgirls began their streak of four straight Women's Basketball Invitational appearances, and in 2013, advanced to the championship game.

In 2013, Cryer played a major part in the Cowgirls' run to the Women's Basketball Invitational (WBI) game in Detroit. McNeese has participated in the WBI the last four years.

Under Cryer's recruiting leadership, the Cowgirls have signed eight players out of high school that have played on state championship teams, seven state tournament MVP's (Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi), 18 All-State high school players, six All-State MVP's, nine Louisiana All-Star game participants, two Texas Girlz Prep Report Terrific 20 players, and one Greater Area Houston All-Star game MVP. 

"What a great hire for McNeese," said Williams. "Kacie has been an integral part of the success and tradition of Cowgirl Basketball. I have witnessed Kacie's work ethic and commitment for the student-athletes. This isn't just a job to Kacie. She lives it and that has become rare and special in our profession. I am so thrilled to pass the torch to someone I know will work passionately and tirelessly to not only keep and honor the tradition, but raise it to a new level."

As a player, Cryer spent her collegiate career at LSU-Shreveport from 2004-08 where she earned her bachelors degree in general studies and her masters degree from McNeese in 2012.
The Teurlings Catholic High product was a member of the 2002 state championship team and was selected to the first team all-district and all-parish teams.

Cryer has been around sports her entire life having been raised under a coaching tree. She is the daughter of Charlie and Kristie Cryer. Her father is the head football coach at St. Louis Catholic High School in Lake Charles. She has two brothers, Cody, who is attending chiropractor school, is a former member of the McNeese men's golf team, and younger brother Chris, is a football coach at St. Louis HS.

What They're Saying About Kacie Cryer:
Kristy Curry, University of Alabama Head Coach
"Kacie Cryer is a bright young star in our profession that will continue the winning tradition in the classroom, community and on the court that has been established at McNeese. She is well prepared for the job and has a unique understanding of all facets of the program that make this a terrific hire." 

Garry Brodhead, University of Louisiana-Lafayette Head Coach
"I'm extremely excited for Kacie and very proud of her. She has worked extremely hard to get this opportunity since the time that she first stepped foot on the McNeese campus. It has been a privilege to have coached Kacie as well as the opportunity to work alongside of her during my five years at McNeese. As a coach you always feel a sense of pride when one of your former players has the opportunity to become a head coach at such a great university." 

Brenda Nichols, Sam Houston State Head Coach
"What a great choice McNeese has made picking Kacie Cryer as the new head coach.  I am very excited for Kacie. Her enthusiasm, excitement and knowledge will help enhance the future of Cowgirl Basketball at McNeese. Kacie takes pride in her job. She loves being a Louisiana girl and working at McNeese. Kacie and I are good friends on and off the court and I look forward to our new rivalry."

Ronnie Howell, Northwood High School, former LSU-Shreveport Head Coach
"Kacie played for me four years at LSU-Shreveport. She had a great knowledge of the game and was always working to improve on her skills. Kacie was basically a coach on the floor. She comes from a successful coaching family and I certainly wish her the best in her new position."

Toni Martinez, Byrd High School Head Coach
"I am very proud of Kacie and all her accomplishments. She is a strong, hard working young woman that knows the game of basketball inside and out. I have had the opportunity to coach Kacie and watch her grow as a coach. I think this opportunity is well deserved and she is going to continue to strive to make McNeese women's basketball a very successful program."