Landreneau reaches 300-victory mark

James Landreneau, a former car salesman, was coaching youth baseball in 2012 when he was asked about moving up and over to college softball.

That request came from then McNeese State skipper Rick Smith, who was out to makeover the program.

Unsure how things would turn out, Landreneau signed up.

“I figured I would coach a couple of years, and that would be about it,” Landreneau said.

Few, especially himself, could have ever imagined how things have turned out.

Friday afternoon in Stephenville, Texas, Landreneau’s Cowgirls gave him his 300th career victory, a 9-1 win over Bucknell. Saturday, he won his 301st and is far more about what is next to win than what has already been won.

“One day, I will look back and reflect on it more,” said Landreneau. “Now I just want to focus on still growing this program.”

Just starting his ninth season as the Cowgirl leader, Landreneau has posted a 301-163 record and won five Southland Conference championships and four regular-season titles, including the last three. 

“I’m really happy for coach,” said McNeese Athletic Director Heath Schroyer. “It is a great accomplishment, 300 wins. I’m excited to see his team compete for another SLC championship and post-season berth this spring.”

He has also taken McNeese to the brink of an NCAA regional title and turned Cowgirl softball into a national brand big schools love to come to play. Fifth-ranked Tennessee will be in town Friday for a double-header as the latest proof of McNeese’s drawing power.

“Any time you can play that type of a program, it is great for your fans and your players,” said Landreneau. “But you have to share these moments with people who put so much into helping our program.

“I have had great players, great coaches, and support from the school’s administration. You don’t do anything alone. And this community has really come out to support us.”

While Landreneau quickly mentions others who contributed to his success, he also says it wasn’t expected.

“This is something you never think about,” said Landreneau. “No way I ever thought about 300 wins. It makes me sit back and think about how blessed I am.”

In a world of change, Landreneau has never coached anywhere else.

“I have been able to coach where I have lived,” said Landreneau. “I have never had to move. It’s been great. I have been able to see the program grow from year to year. That is special.”

While there have been nibbles from bigger programs, Landreneau has always elected to stay home. The numbers have shown that this was a winning move.

Landreneau’s Cowgirls have won 40 or more games in five of his seasons, including the last three. He has also been named the Southland Coach of the Year three times and once won the honor for the state of Louisiana.

That’s all good, but Landreneau is about the growth process and the next milestone. For him, it’s winning a regional title.

“There is still a lot for us to accomplish,” said Landreneau. 

And likely many more wins.