Ruston — Louisiana Tech Vice President and Director of Athletics Ryan Ivey announced that the Bulldog's all-time winningest bowling head coach, Matt Nantais, has signed a contract extension through the 2030 season.
 
"Over the past decade, Coach Nantais has created a consistent contender on the lanes and off of it," said Ivey. "He has worked tirelessly to grow our bowling program into a perennial top 10 national program, while maintaining tremendous success in the classroom and the community. We are excited that Coach Nantais will remain in Ruston and continue to lead our bowling program. I know that he will work extremely hard to continue to grow our program to compete for a National Championship."
 
Nantais came to LA Tech in 2016 and turned the Bulldogs into a national power. During his nine seasons, he has posted 608 wins and a .619 winning percentage.
 
He would turn the program around with his first recruiting class in 2017. In that class, the Bulldogs had Kaitlyn Eder, who would be named the NTCA Rookie of the Year and become the first All-American at LA Tech. During the 2017-18 season, the Bulldogs notched 55 victories and earned a national ranking in the NTCA poll for the first time since the 2010-11 season.
 
"Louisiana Tech runs through my veins," Nantais said. "I'm incredibly grateful for this extension and the opportunity to continue building something special. There's still work to be done, but I'm proud of how far we've come."
 
Under his guidance, Louisiana Tech continued to improve and saw a then-school record 65 wins before the postseason was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic during the 2019-20 season. Allie Leiendecker became the second bowler in program history to earn NTCA Rookie of the Year. The Bulldogs were poised to make their first NCAA Tournament appearance but would have to wait one more year.
 
During the shortened 2020-21 season, LA Tech picked up 47 wins and finished with its best Southland Conference Championship finish, placing second.
 
LA Tech would hit the 80-win mark for the first time in 2022-23 and finish second in the NCAA Regional, falling to eventual national runner-up Stephen F. Austin.
 
The 2023-24 season would be one for the record books. LA Tech would set records in wins (87), tournament titles (4), All-Americans (4), team scoring average (20.39), team fill percentage (85.5), team strike percentage (51.2) and team first-ball average (9.06). Leiendecker would finish her illustrious career with a fifth All-American honor and hold 11 program records. Kylee Trexler would become the third Bulldog to earn NTCA Rookie of the Year.
 
With the departure of three All-Americans, Nantais guided the Bulldogs to their fifth straight NCAA Tournament appearance. The 84 wins rank second in program history, and Trexler was the first Bulldog to appear on the TV show at the USBC Intercollegiate Singles Championships, falling in the championship match 245-236.
 
"A heartfelt thank you to all the athletes and their families," said Nantais. "Your dedication and belief in our vision have helped shape this program. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our athletic department and the generosity of our donors. I'm excited for what's ahead."
The contract extension is pending approval by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.
 
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