LSU New Orleans Privateers Athletics
The LSU New Orleans Privateers represent the University of New Orleans in collegiate athletics. Competing in NCAA Division I as members of the Southland Conference, the Privateers maintain a diverse athletic program with 14 varsity teams. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, the program is characterized by its resilience and a storied history of competition across multiple NCAA divisions.
The Privateers are identified by their official colors: Privateers Purple, Privateers Gold, and Privateers Silver Gray. Since February 2017, the program has been led by its mascot, Captain BrUNO, while the student body and fans rally behind the fight song, "Let's hear it for UNO."
Key Facts
- Conference: Southland Conference (NCAA Division I).
- Mascot: Captain BrUNO.
- Primary Venues: Lakefront Arena (Basketball), Maestri Field at Privateer Park (Baseball), and the Human Performance Center (Volleyball).
- Athletic Director: Vince Granito.
- Notable Achievement: First Louisiana university to reach the Division I College World Series (1984).
Athletic History and Conference Transitions
The journey of the Privateers' athletic program has been marked by several significant transitions. The university began in NCAA Division II from 1969 to 1975 before ascending to Division I as a charter member of the Sun Belt Conference.
Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the university faced budget cuts and declining enrollment. In December 2009, the LSU Board approved a move to Division III. However, after further financial analysis, the plan shifted toward Division II. The Privateers briefly competed as a Division II independent during the 2011–12 academic year and joined the Gulf South Conference for the 2012–13 season.
This transition was short-lived. On March 7, 2012, President Dr. Peter Fos announced that the university would remain in Division I. By August 21, 2012, the university officially announced its membership in the Southland Conference, effective for the 2013–14 academic year.
Conference Affiliation Timeline
| Period | Affiliation |
|---|---|
| 1969–1976 | NCAA Division II Independent |
| 1976–1980 | Sun Belt Conference |
| 1980–1987 | NCAA Division I Independent |
| 1987–1991 | American South Conference |
| 1991–2010 | Sun Belt Conference |
| 2010–2013 | NCAA Division I Independent |
| 2013–Present | Southland Conference |
Featured Varsity Sports
Baseball
Led by head coach Andrew Gipson, the baseball team plays at Maestri Field at Privateer Park. The program has a legacy of success, notably under Ron Maestri, who led the team to the Division II World Series in 1974 and later the Division I College World Series in 1984. The Privateers have also seen numerous alumni reach the Major Leagues, including Joe Slusarski and Johnny Giavotella.
Basketball
Both the men's and women's basketball teams compete at the 8,933-seat Lakefront Arena. The men's team, coached by Stacy Hollowell, has made five NCAA tournament appearances, with a peak national ranking of 16th by the Associated Press in 1987. The women's team, coached by Trelanne Powell, achieved a major milestone on March 19, 1983, by winning the Women's National Invitational Tournament.
Volleyball and Beach Volleyball
The volleyball program, coached by Kim Young-Buford, plays at the Human Performance Center. A standout in the program's history is Javonne Brooks, who became the NCAA Division I career kills leader in 1992. Additionally, the university established a women's beach volleyball program in 2015, coached by Millicent Van Norden, replacing the women's golf program.
Other Varsity Programs
- Tennis: Coached by Burzis Kanga, the program has produced several All-Americans.
- Track and Field/Cross Country: Coached by Benjamin Dalton, these programs were reinstated between 2011 and 2013 after being cut in 2006.
- Men's Golf: Led by head coach Jeff Lorio.
The Legacy of Privateer Football
While not currently a varsity sport, football has a deep history at the university. The school fielded a club team from 1965 to 1970, winning three consecutive South District championships in the National Club Football Association (NCFA). After a long hiatus, club football returned in 2008. This era culminated in a major victory in 2010, when the Privateers won the NCFA National Championship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which conference does LSU New Orleans currently belong to?
The LSU New Orleans Privateers are currently members of the Southland Conference in NCAA Division I.
Where do the Privateers play their basketball games?
The basketball teams play their home games at the Lakefront Arena, which has a seating capacity of 8,933.
Who is the mascot of the university?
The mascot is Captain BrUNO, who made his official debut on February 23, 2017.
What is the most significant achievement of the baseball program?
The baseball program was the first university in Louisiana to reach the NCAA Division I College World Series in 1984.
Why did the athletic program almost move to Division III?
Following Hurricane Katrina, the university experienced a drop in enrollment and associated budget cuts, leading to a proposal to move to Division III in 2009 before eventually deciding to remain in Division I.