Southeastern Louisiana University women’s basketball assistant coach Keanna Keys has been selected for the 54th class of the NCAA Women Coaches Academy (WCA) and the 8th class of NCAA Academy 2.0, both held in Denver, Colorado.
Keys, a native of Sumrall, Mississippi, joined SLU in April 2025 as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator under first-year head coach Jeff Dow. She was one of only 18 women coaches to graduate from Academy 2.0, a program that focuses on leadership development and personal growth for alumni of the WCA.
“My experience at the academy was one to remember and one that totally filled my cup,” said Coach Keys. “This past week, I took away key lessons that will help me succeed in my new role here at Southeastern. WeCOACH brought together a panel of powerful women who’ve paved the way for the rest of us. I’m extremely grateful to have learned from the best.”
The NCAA Women Coaches Academy is a multi-day program designed to help collegiate women coaches improve their leadership and coaching effectiveness. Coaches from all collegiate levels—including NCAA, NAIA, and two-year institutions—participate in the program to gain skills that enhance both personal and team success.
Reflecting on the experience, Keys added, “Words fail me when it comes to expressing the profound sense of meaning and connection I experienced among 17 remarkable women in our class. I am truly inspired by the incredible individuals I had the privilege of growing with. I’m grateful for the meaningful connections and lifelong friendships formed.”
More than 100 women coaches from 24 sports participated in the academy this year. The event offered leadership development, skill-building sessions, and a strong support network to help coaches thrive in their careers.
Keys first completed the WCA in 2024 and was selected for Academy 2.0 this year, an advanced program that offers deeper leadership training through interactive, small-group sessions.
Vanessa Fuchs, CEO of WeCOACH, praised the program’s impact: “The Academy experience is nothing short of transformational. Our participants leave feeling renewed and equipped with tools, strategies, and a powerful sisterhood of support. Data shows our graduates stay in the coaching profession at higher rates than the national average—that’s the kind of impact we aim to scale.”
Before joining Southeastern, Keys spent five seasons as an assistant coach at UTRGV, a fellow conference member. She now looks forward to helping lead the Lady Lions into a successful new season in Hammond.
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