PROVIDENCE, R.I. – If you can’t beat her, sign her.

The American Press confirmed Saturday morning that McNeese State has signed Southeastern’s Ayla Guzzardo as its next women’s head basketball coach. An official announcement is expected later this morning.

Guzzardo was signed to a five-year deal according to sources.

A press conference is expected sometime next week, maybe as early as Monday. Most of McNeese’s administration, especially the athletic department, is Rhode Island awaiting today’s NCAA Midwest Regional match between the school’s men’s team and Purdue.

Since taking over in Hammond, Guzzardo has turned the Lady Lions into a Southland Conference powerhouse. Her team easily won the league’s regular-season title this season with a 19-1 record, not losing until all had been decided in the final weekend. Her team lost in the finals of the Southland postseason tournament and played in the Women’s NIT. 

They fell at Colorado Thursday night in the first round of the WNIT.

Her last three teams have played in the SLC championship game, winning once. All have been played in the Legacy Center at McNeese.

“This is a great facility,” Guzzardo said during this year’s tournament. “I have always enjoyed coming and bringing my teams to play here.”

Now, she will do that for some time to come.

Once the transfer portal opens, Guzzardo could bring several key players from Southeastern with her, which should enflame the rivalry between McNeese and Hammond, America’s team.

Her Lady Lions have reached the semifinals of the Southland tourney in each of the last five seasons, posted a 120-107 record overall, and were 87-54 in Southland. 

Guzzardo replaces Lynn Kennedy, whose contract was not extended after four seasons. After a solid first two years of rebuilding, Kennedy’s Cowgirls struggled. 

McNeese was just 12-46 the two previous years, his last two seasons.

“I believe this position is now one of the best jobs in our conference,” McNeese Athletic Director Heath Schroyer said. “My expectations moving forward are that we compete for Southland Conference championships.”

Schroyer hired Will Wade two years ago, transforming a lackluster men’s basketball program into a rising Mid-Major program. The Cowboys won their first NCAA Tournament game last Thursday and are playing Purdue for a right to go to the Sweet 16 later today.