Shreveport, La. - A record-breaking season and the program's first-ever appearance in the NAIA National Tournament impressed enough voters to allow Ronnie Howell to earn Coach of the Year on the 2009 All-Louisiana Women's Basketball Team as chosen by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.

Howell beat out LSU's Van Chancellor by one vote to garner Coach of the Year honors. He guided the Lady Pilots to a school record 27 wins after finishing the 2008-09 campaign 27-6. That included a school record 14 game winning streak and the program's first-ever national ranking. He also guided the Lady Pilots to their first-ever appearance in the NAIA National Tournament after placing second in the GCAC - the highest finish in school history.

LSUS junior Valerie Huizar also picked up third-team honors on the All-Louisiana Team after leading the Lady Pilots in both scoring and assists in 2008-09.  Huizar was the 2009 GCAC Newcomer of the year and an honorable mention selection on the NAIA All-America Team.

LSU's Allison Hightower was named Player of the Year while teammate LaSondra Barrett was selected at the state's Freshman of the Year. Alexis Green of Louisiana-Lafayette earned Newcomer of the Year accolades.

The team was selected based on nominations by the women's basketball sports information directors of the state and then voted on by a panel of LSWA members. All stats and voting was based on totals through the playing of conference tournaments and post-season play.