I would like to thank everyone involved with our program for the Conference USA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Coaches Choice Award. It is both overwhelming and humbling, and I feel extremely honored to have received this award.

However, this award represents much more than my own accomplishments. It starts at the top. We have a family atmosphere at Louisiana Tech, which is what President Les Guice, the University Administration, Athletics Director Tommy McClelland and the Athletics Department foster and support. That leadership helps all of our programs prioritize our student-athletes welfare and posterity.

I would also like to thank all of my former players. There are so many heartfelt moments that I will never forget and so many people that I will always cherish. I am not sure exactly when it became more about the people and relationships and less about the wins and losses, but I know now how important each player was in my own development and growth as a coach. I would like to specifically thank this amazing group of young ladies that I currently coach. They truly give their best effort daily, and no coach could ask for more.

I would like to thank Conference USA SAAC and LA Tech SAAC for their support and my nomination for this award. Just to be nominated is indeed an honor, and I feel so lucky to do what I do every day. It is hard to believe I get paid to coach wonderful young people, much less receive such a special award for it.

Finally, I would like to thank my family for their love and support. They keep me grounded and put those tough coaching moments into perspective. It's very humbling and such an honor when I get home and my three daughters don't care what the score of the game was, but rather just want to spend time with their father. I'm so thankful for my wife Melanie who constantly showers me with support regardless of the outcome. It is truly easy to see God's influence and favor on my life. I am blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people.