Errol Gauff

Lady Lions basketball Head Coach Errol Gauff has resigned from the women’s basketball program due to ongoing health issues. Director of Athletics Jay Artigues made the announcement on Mar. 9.

“We want to thank coach Gauff for his contributions to Southeastern Athletics,” said Artigues. “Errol’s health has to be his number one priority right now, and we wish coach Gauff and his family the best.”

Gauff started having health issues during the season and endured them until the season ended on Mar. 2.

“I guess it all started in January or so,” said Gauff. “I want people to know that I will be okay. I just need time to get healthier. I have lost a lot of weight, which is unexplained. I could have stood to lose a few pounds but instead I lost like 40. Unfortunately, the girls on the team saw me pass out a couple of times. So, there are just a few issues that I got to get corrected. As time goes, if there is something you can do for me, I would say just keep me in your prayers and keep supporting the Lady Lions. Those are my two requests.”

Gauff believes some time away from coaching might be the solution to his health issues, or at least give him the chance to find out what is wrong with his health.

“We do believe that stress is playing a part in it,” said Gauff. “In talking to coach Artigues, I’m thankful that the school understood. Southeastern gave me a great opportunity and I appreciate it. This was one of the hardest decisions I ever made. There is nothing I want to do more than coach and there is nothing I want to do more than coach this team.”

The Lady Lions finished with a 5-24 record overall and 3-15 in the Southland Conference. Gauff was looking forward to seeing the team improve next season.

“I know our record didn’t show it, but I really think we were on the verge of turning it around,” said Gauff. “We have a good enough group returning next season, along with the young ladies we are bringing in, that we were getting closer to being one of the better teams in the Southland Conference.”

Assistant Coach Ayla Guzzardo will take Gauff’s place as head coach of the team. This is the first head-coaching job for Guzzardo. Before coming to the university, she worked in Akron University for four years as an assistant coach.

“Unfortunately we are losing one player, who is a senior. We have a lot of freshman, sophomores and juniors,” said Guzzardo. “So we definitely have the experience from the younger kids on the team. We’re bringing in some pretty good high school players and junior college players, hopefully. We are going to continue building on what we accomplished this year and hopefully accomplish more each year into building a championship program.”

Gauff has faith that Guzzardo will keep the team on track and propel the program to new heights.

“Ayla will do a great job,” said Gauff. “We really thought we were gonna have a nice turnaround next season. I think the coaches and the players on the team will still have a nice turnaround next season.”

The athletic department is not in search for a new permanent head coach at the moment. Gauff hopes that after next season the athletic department will hire Guzzardo for the position.

“I’ve known coach Ayla for years now,” said Gauff. “I know it’s going to be coach Artigues and the administration who decide who and how to move forward, but I would like to see coach Ayla continue to be the coach. I think that is what’s best for the young ladies, and it would also keep the staff intact. Coach Lee and coach Gibson worked tremendously hard for me and for the team this year. It’s a good staff and they are good coaches but better people and that is who you want in those positions.”