A program that had experienced unmatched stability in the collegiate landscape for 30 years has had an offseason so far that has been anything but stable. 

A loss to Temple University in the second round of the American Athletic Conference tournament capped off a disappointing season for the Tulane University Women’s Basketball team, as it struggled with injuries and consistency and never seemed to find its groove. Head coach Lisa Stockton had a rare losing season, just the fifth in her 30-year career at Tulane, and while it seemed Stockton would figure it out as she routinely has in her illustrious streak in New Orleans, she decided to call it a career. 

Stockton’s decision to retire was a surprise to many. She had become synonymous with Tulane women’s basketball and her presence in New Orleans had been one of the few consistencies in college athletics over the past 30 years. Stockton’s resume on the court was impressive, but what she did for her student-athletes off the court was what truly set her apart. She was the definition of a “players’” coach, ensuring the success of each player in the classroom and instilling in them countless lessons and work habits that would carry with them for the rest of their lives.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with one of Stockton’s premier players during her tenure at Tulane, Moon Ursin, who shared with me what made Stockton so special.

“I think what I remember most is how inclusive she was, just how she loved,” Ursin said. “She just treated everybody like a human first … It was fun to be around her and I loved showing up everyday.”

Before arriving at Tulane as a player, Ursin spent four years at Baylor University, playing for hall of fame head coach Kim Mulkey. She decided to transfer from Baylor for her final year of eligibility, and chose to play for Stockton at Tulane. While only in New Orleans for one season, Ursin made a big impact at Tulane, leading the team in scoring, with 14.8 points per game, and rebounding, with 8.5 per game. Being a part of a National Championship-winning team at Baylor, Ursin knew what it took to win. That competitiveness made her and Stockton a perfect match.

“How excited [coach Stockton] would get after wins, it was a joy. She celebrated every win like it was meant to be celebrated, and that was special,” Ursin said. “Whether it was a big game or a small game, every single win was important to her.”

Following her playing career at Tulane, Ursin accepted a role to remain with the Tulane women’s basketball program as a student assistant coach, providing her deep knowledge of the game to Stockton in a different capacity. She has become a cornerstone for Tulane women’s basketball in her short time with the program and now looks to help new head coach Ashley Langford get the program back on track this season.

Langford, like Ursin, is a former Tulane point guard, who starred for the Wave from 2005 to 2009. She is Tulane’s all-time assists leader and a member of the program’s 1,000-point club. 

More recently, Langford was at the helm of Stony Brook University Women’s Basketball program, where her team had an 28-5 record this past season. She has emerged as one of the great up-and-coming coaches in women’s college basketball and decided to accept Tulane’s offer to become their next head coach. Her return to New Orleans has created a buzz around the program, and nobody is more psyched about this hire than Ursin.

“[Coach Langford’s] first impression was great. This is day two or three of spending time with her and it has been wonderful,” Ursin said. “Of course, we miss coach Stockton, but I think coach Langford is going to be great for this program. I’m already enjoying being around her and I can’t wait to learn from her.”

While Ursin hadn’t met Langford prior to the hire, she has quickly become acquainted with Langford’s high-energy and fast-paced style of play.

“Pace … I’m excited to see a different style of play, the growth of the team and how we are going to do things a little differently than before,” Ursin said. 

It has become clear that while the Tulane women’s basketball team is going to look and feel much different than in previous years, the mindset is still the same: winning. Langford is bringing a new style to New Orleans and is making sure that every player understands the gold standard.

“You know [Langford’s] on it. Everything has a purpose is what I’m learning pretty quickly,” Ursin said. “Whether it’s showing up on time, whether it’s doing something the right way, whether it’s following the instructions that she gave us, even if somebody is not looking. She’s building character.”

These are exciting times for the Wave, as it looks to carry on Stockton’s winning tenure into this new era. Between graduation and the transfer portal, many players who played a large role on this past season’s team are on their way out, but players leaving opens the door for new ones to enter and emerge. Langford’s next order of business is going to be filling out this roster, but Ursin has no doubts that this season will be one you won’t want to miss.

“Come see for yourself, we are going to make it a memorable season,” Ursin said. “Come out and support us and we’re going to love you all the way you are going to love us … Roll Wave!!!”