University of New Orleans to Join Southland Conference
NEW ORLEANS – Following the announcement on Thursday that the University of New Orleans would be admitted into the Southland Conference for the 2013-14 year, each Privateer head coach had an opportunity to react to the news.
“This is a great step for the University of New Orleans, students, student-athletes, alumni, campus, and city. Our move to the Southland Conference brings renewed energy and rivalries back to the Lakefront and to the state. We are very excited to be a part of a progressive league and partner with our institutions in the University of Louisiana system. The Southland Conference will provide a great opportunity for us to compete in a great basketball league with tremendous coaches and incredible rivalries. It is a league that I was blessed to be a part of for eleven seasons and know firsthand how competitive it is and what it takes to have consistent success in it. Our vision under Dr. Fos and
Derek Morel has led us to the perfect fit for our athletic department and University at this point. They have been the driving force to help put all of our student-athletes and coaches in situation where we can compete and succeed quicker than people will expect. We are also very proud to open up our beautiful, vibrant, and exciting city to the Southland Conference and its members and fans. We are extremely proud to represent our beloved city of New Orleans and serve as ambassadors for it.” –
Mark Slessinger Head Men's Basketball Coach
"I believe everyone in the UNO family is excited about our acceptance into the Southland. The ability for our teams to compete for a conference championship in 2013-2014 is paramount for our athletic department. As an independent it is sometimes hard to find your identity because you are not quite sure who to compare yourself to athletically. We now not only have a new home, but gained a valuable measuring stick for our programs." -
Ty Sevin, Head Track and Field/Cross Country Coach
“This is a great day for our UNO Athletic Programs! I cannot find the words to adequately express how thrilled I am about being a member of the Southland Conference. The SLC is filled with prestigious universities who have great teams along with great coaches. I am ecstatic that we are now a part of that greatness! I want to thank Commissioner Tom Burnett, the SLC Board of Directors, President Peter Fos, and our AD
Derek Morel for all of the hard work and time they have invested into making this day possible. I am extremely happy for our student-athletes who will now have the opportunity to compete for a conference championship and participate in post season play. For many women's basketball players that is the highlight of their collegiate careers and not to have that opportunity the last couple of years has been pretty tough. The inside of the Lakefront Arena looked like 'Christmas in the Oaks' when I told our team that we were in the SLC. Their smiles were that bright and big!”
– Keeshawn Carter, Head Women's Basketball Coach
“I am looking forward to the high level of competition in the Southland. I believe we can contend for a championship in volleyball. Having the opportunity to compete in post season and an opportunity to compete in the NCAA tournament is what we needed. This league will also bring exciting matches to the HPC and ignite an exciting atmosphere for fans.” -
Kim Young-Buford, Head Volleyball Coach
“This is an exciting day for the student-athletes, fans and the University. Athletics at the Division I level will generate interest, garner local exposure and help increase admissions. I am very excited for the student-athletes and the fans that have supported all of our programs for years. I greatly appreciate the confidence that President Fos and
Derek Morel have shown us and look forward to bringing back the fans to the Lakefront.”
- Bruce Peddie, Head Baseball Coach
“I am thrilled that we are joining the Southland Conference and that we will be able to compete right away for a conference championship. The opportunity that the men's tennis team has this year to take part in the league is a reward for this group of players that could not be more deserving for their work on and off the court. “
- Burzis Kanga, Head Tennis Coach
“This is a great day for the University of New Orleans! We are all very grateful and excited about becoming a member of the Southland Conference. In the years to come I am confident that our sports will be highly competitive and that this winning attitude will be pervasive throughout our campus.” -
Chris McCarter, Head Golf Coach
