HAMMOND, La. – Southeastern Louisiana University women's basketball assistant coach Keanna Keys was named to the 54th class of the NCAA Women Coaches Academy (WCA) and the 8th class of NCAA Academy 2.0 hosted in Denver, Colorado.
Keys, a native of Sumrall, Miss., joined first year SLU head coach Jeff Dow's staff in April 2025 as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. Keys was amongst only 18 women coaches to graduate from the NCAA Academy 2.0 for their leadership development and personal growth.
"My experience at the academy was one to remember, and one that totally filled my cup," commented Coach Keys. "This past week, I was able to take away key points that would allow me to excel in my new position here at Southeastern. WeCoach placed a panel of powerful women, from all facets, in front of me that have paved the way for women in sports today. I am extremely grateful to have learned from some of the best."
The NCAA Women Coaches Academy is a multi-day growth & development program available to collegiate women coaches in all sports, collegiate levels (two-year & four-year colleges, NAIA, NCAA, etc.), and years experience. WCA is designed for women coaches who are ready to elevate their holistic coaching effectiveness by learning advanced leadership skills and strategies that directly affect their personal and team success.
"Words fail me when it comes to expressing the profound sense of meaning and connection I experienced among 17 remarkable women in our class," stated Keys. "I am truly inspired by the incredible individuals I had the privilege of growing with. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to form meaningful connections and cultivate lifelong friendships."
As the NCAA remains committed to educating and empowering student-athletes, coaches, and athletics administrators, over 100 women coaches gathered to participate in the academy. With participants representing 24 different sports, the academy provided leadership development alongside the skills, confidence, and community needed to elevate their effectiveness both personally and professionally. Keys completed WCA in 2024 and graduated from Academy 2.0, an advanced program for WCA alumni, after a deeper dive into leadership and professional growth in a highly interactive, small-group setting.
"The Academy experience is nothing short of transformational," said Vanessa Fuchs, CEO of WeCOACH. "Our participants leave feeling renewed and equipped with tools, strategies, and a powerful sisterhood of support. Data shows our graduates remain in the coaching profession at rates well above the national average, and that's the kind of impact we aim to scale."
Prior to Southeastern, Keys spent five seasons as an assistant coach at conference member UTRGV (2020-25). Keys is looking forward to this upcoming season with the Lady Lions as they seek to continue the winning culture in Hammond, America.
NCAA Academy 2.0 Class #8 Participants:
Lynn Anderson | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - Assistant Coach, Softball
Coretta Brown | Eastern Kentucky University - Assistant Coach, Basketball
Sandra Bullock | Southwestern Oregon Community College - Head Coach, Swimming
Mercede Daugherty | Hope College - Assistant Coach, Softball
Kristen Dowling | Whittier College - Head Coach, Basketball
Brittany Duncan-Houghland | University of Dayton - Associate Head Coach, Softball
Verniece Graham | Albany State University - Head Coach, Volleyball
Mary Beth Gunn | University of the Pacific - Head Coach, Tennis
Jaleesa Harper | The University of North Carolina at Pembroke - Head Coach, Volleyball
Alyssa Johnson | Case Western Reserve University - Head Coach, Soccer
Mary Johnston | Macalester College - Head Coach, Volleyball
Keanna Keys | Southeastern Louisiana University - Assistant Coach, Basketball
Amari Lawson | Benedict College - Head Coach, Softball
Sarah Leiby | University of Charleston - Head Coach, Soccer
Anna Moore | University of St. Thomas - Assistant Coach, Swimming & Diving
Ann Ninnemann | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point - Head Coach, Ice Hockey
Krista Rice | Oakland University - Head Coach, Volleyball
Jessica Scott | University of Minnesota - Assistant Coach, Ice Hockey
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Women's Basketball, follow @LionUpWBB on X, like /SoutheasternWBB on Facebook and subscribe to the SLUathletics YouTube channel.
TICKETS
For ticket information, please contact the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466 or visit www.LionSports.net/tickets. Southeastern offers mobile ticketing as the primary source for securing tickets. All tickets will be available via e-mail in a PDF format for fans to download on their phone or print at home. Tickets can also be downloaded to Apple Wallet.
CLEAR BAG POLICY
Southeastern Athletics has instituted a clear bag policy for all ticketed events. For more information on the clear bag policy, visit www.LionSports.net/clear.
