Perfect fit

Published 9:55 am Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Howard finding way at McNeese

Dakota Howard wasn’t expecting to play for McNeese State this season.

The freshman was set to start her college career at rival Southeastern, but quickly flipped her commitment when Ayla Guzzardo moved from the Hammond school to Lake Charles last spring.

Following the head coach and her staff, Howard ended up right where she belonged, playing the role she seems built for, only in a Cowgirls’ uniform.

“I’m glad she (Guzzardo) came here to McNeese,” said Howard. “I love it here.”

Ironically, Howard learned the coach was moving to McNeese while she was playing in an All-Star Game at the Townsley Law Arena.

“I was happy because this is a great facility,” Howard said. “It was a perfect fit. It is fun to play here.”

Howard is fun to watch for Cowgirl fans as well.

The forward was named the Southland Conference’s Player of the Week on Monday after she averaged 17 points and six rebounds as the Cowgirls returned from Christmas break to go 3-0 last week. She also had 11 steals and six assists over the three games.

Howard has started every game for the 10-4 Cowgirls, who are tied for first in the Southland Conference at 4-1. They host Nicholls (7-5, 3-2) Thursday night. 

Howard leads McNeese in scoring at 12.4 points per game. She pulls down 5.4 rebounds and has had five steals in each of her last two games.

“Dakota is just figuring the college game out,” said Guzzardo. “Her best basketball is ahead of her.”

Keeping her despite the change of schools was key to Guzzardo’s recruiting year.

“She was a really big get for us,” said Guzzardo. “Dakota is a special talent. I think she is only getting started here.”

After getting her bearings straight, Howard has become the force Guzzardo expected, turning up her game as the Southland Conference got started, scoring at least 18 points three times.

“Coming in here, I expected a lot,” said Howard. “I wanted to be a big part of the program. I got myself prepared, but I didn’t have much confidence at first. Once I got going and got used to the physical play, I started feeling more comfortable.”

Howard uses her athletic ability and all-around game to get around the bigger players she faces. 

“My teammates have helped because they play physical in practices,” said Howard. “I will try to keep working on it. I’m pretty physical myself, and I try to use my energy to push myself.”

As a senior at Parkway High, the Bossier City native averaged 23 points, 10 rebounds, seven steals, and four assists for the Division I state runners-up. She earned first-team All-State honors, along with numerous other awards. 

Howard believes playing in those big games in high school has helped her get off to a fast start with McNeese.

“I enjoy playing in big games,” said Howard.

McNeese fans hope she has a chance to do that all season long.