HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University head softball coach Pete Langlois has accepted the position of Assistant to the Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations, Southeastern Director of Athletics Jay Artigues announced on Monday.
 
"We're very grateful that Pete has made the decision to become a valued member of our administration," Artigues said. "Pete will continue to be a huge asset to Southeastern Athletics and will be an integral part of our administrative team."
 
Langlois, the winningest coach in program history, chose to move in to an administrative position after recently completing his 21^st season at the helm of the program. Langlois' 2015 Lady Lions advanced to the Southland Conference Tournament behind All-Region outfielder Katie Lacour, as well as All-Southland Conference performers Megan Moore, Amber Sather, Sydney Booker, Kinsey Nichols and Taylor Bishop.
 
Since taking over the program in 1995, Langlois has helped the SLU softball program to grow and improve. Since joining the Southland Conference, the program has produced 56 All-Southland Conference and 49 All-Louisiana picks, while advancing to the league tournament six times.
 
During his time in Hammond, Langlois has facilitated upgrades of the program's home facility, North Oak Park, as a new press box, fencing, upgraded dugouts, batting cages and entrance were all added under Langlois' watch to turn the SLU home field into one of the Southland's top facilities. Langlois also created an indoor hitting facility adjacent to the team's locker room.
 
"Pete has done an outstanding job building our softball program and we're dedicated to finding a person who can continue growing what he built," Artigues said. "Pete will be a great asset in the search process."
 
While his choice to transition to his new role was difficult, Langlois is excited about the challenge as well as the opportunity to spend more time with his wife, Yvette, their son, Jacques, and his daughters, Malorie and Macie.
 
"I've had the time of my life over the past 21 years coaching at Southeastern," Langlois said. "It will be tough to not be around the game every day, but this is an opportunity and promotion I couldn't pass up. I'm excited to continue to be a member of the Southeastern Athletics family.
 
"For all these years, I've had the opportunity to coach and work with some very special student-athletes and I will treasure those memories," Langlois added. "It's time for me to spend more time with my family."
 
A national search to name Langlois' successor will begin immediately. Arica Rodriguez, who just completed her sixth year as an assistant coach on Langlois' staff, will serve as interim head coach.