Head coach Monique LeBlanc earned the title of Merrimack College’s winningest coach in women’s basketball history with a victory over Fairleigh Dickinson University Jan. 27, eclipsing former head coach Debbie Cogan’s 120 victories.
LeBlanc didn’t know she’d broken Cogan’s record until she walked into the locker room and the team sprayed her with water in celebration.
The former Bucknell University Division I student-athlete is now in her ninth season leading women’s basketball. After last Monday’s road victory, LeBlanc’s team’s record now stands at 15-8 for the season. Overall, her squads have won 124 games in nine seasons.
LeBlanc’s milestone is even more remarkable because it’s the first year women’s basketball is playing as a Division I team, said Director of Athletics Jeremy Gibson.
“Monique has had a lot of competitive success with the program and we’re proud of everything she’s achieved on the court,” said Gibson. “And the level of mentorship she provides outside the locker room has also helped create a successful program in more ways than just the total number of wins.”
LeBlanc pursued a full-time coaching career after volunteering as a high school junior varsity coach. She’s coached for Northern Arizona University and her alma mater Bucknell University. She joined the Merrimack women’s basketball team in 2011.
“Now I am in my dream job as a Division I head coach at a college I love,” LeBlanc said.
