LAKE CHARLES—McNeese head softball coach James Landreneau has announced his 2025-26 coaching staff, one that will consist of a former Oklahoma National Champion pitcher and four former Cowgirls.
 
"When selecting a new staff member or members in this case you have to address specific areas, do they fit the culture (team and community), will they be able to aid in providing our student-athletes with a good experience, and will they be able to help us win championships," said head coach James Landreneau. 
 
"We feel like we can address all these areas with this staff. All our staff members have been a part of championship teams, which will bring perspective of what the process looks like to win at a high level. With four former players on staff, it makes for an easier transition for our players, as they already know the system and expectations. Having them return to the program shows the pride they have for our University and the City of Lake Charles." 
 
Highlighting the staff will be former Oklahoma pitcher Hope Trautwein-Valdespino, who will serve as the pitching coach and scouting director.
 
Trautwein-Valdespino, a member of the 2022 Women's College World Series All-Tournament team comes to McNeese after spending the last two years as an assistant coach at Houston.
 
In her time at Oklahoma, she helped the Sooners to the 2022 National Championship after a decorated four-year stint with North Texas, finishing her career with and 82-25 record, 14 saves, a 1.82 ERA and 850 strikeouts.
 
Trautwein-Valdespino spent three years at North Texas where she made history in 2021, becoming the first NCAA Division I softball player to toss a seven-inning perfect game, striking out all 21 batters.  She ended her playing time at North Texas as the team's leader in career ERA (2.05), wins (61), saves (15), batting average against (.197), and strikeouts per seven innings (8.11).
 
"Hope Trautwein-Valdespino is a brilliant mind with an outstanding resume. She has a great understanding of player development, recruiting and game management. Her contacts will open recruiting doors nationally for our program. We are excited to welcome Hope and her Husband Dominic to our McNeese family. "
 
Former Cowgirls Emily Phillips, Crislyne Moreno and Rylie Bouvier will join former Cowgirl catcher Chloe Gomez who was a member of the 2025 staff.
 
"Chole has been a staple of the program for the last five years. She is great role model for our student-athletes to follow in the classroom as well as what a great teammate looks like. She is known for her work ethic and honesty."
 
 
Phillips, who spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons as a Cowgirl catcher will serve as recruiting coordinator as well as overseeing the catchers.
 
The native of Chesapeake, Va., spent the 2025 season as an assistant coach at James Madison.
 
At McNeese, Phillips played in 75 career games, starting in 62 and had a career .271 batting average with 46 hits, 12 doubles, two triples, five homeruns, 22 RBI, 24 walks.  She also had a .453 slugging percent, .362 on base percent, and a .988 fielding percent, committing only three errors in two years behind the plate.
 
Phillips began her playing career at James Madison where she spent two years (2020-22). While at JMU she appeared in 96 games and earned NFCA Second Team All-Region honors.
 
"Emily has an infectious energy with a great passion for the game. She brings a championship mindset as she was part of three championships at McNeese and a World Series appearance while at James Madison University. "
 
Moreno, a native of San Antonio, Texas will serve as softball Director of Ops.  Moreno spent three years (2022-240 as a Cowgirl first baseman where she earned All-SLC honors as a freshman and a junior.  She was named the 2022 SLC Tournament MVP as a rookie as well as being named to the SLC All-Tournament team.  In her stint at McNeese, she produced a .292 career batting average with 126 hits, 31 doubles, 10 home runs, and 94 RBI.  She spent her final year of eligibility closer to home at UTSA.
 
"Crislyne was a tremendous player for us being a major contributor in five championships in her time with the Cowgirls. She always displayed outstanding work ethic with undeniable integrity."
 
Bouvier, a two-time All-SLC in 2023 and 2024 recently completed her playing career with the Cowgirls in 2025, playing and starting in all 61 games.  She tied for second on the team with 16 doubles and was third on the team with 34 RBIs along with a .287 batting average, 41 runs and a .981 fielding percent.
 
Bouvier was part of three Southland Conference regular season championships (2023-2025), one SLC Tournament championship (2023) and one NCAA Tournament team (2023) as well as being named to the 2025 SLC All-Tournament team and the All-Louisiana team in 2023.
 
"Rylie had a very successful career and was a well-respected leader on the team. She brings a competitive mindset and restless work ethic which helped our teams to four SLC championships."