JOURNAL SPORTS
LSU Shreveport did not repeat as undefeated NAIA College World Series baseball champions.
But the Pilots had a strong season by any other standard, and so did nearly every other LSUS sport.
As a result, the Pilots’ Lucas Morgan is a repeat choice as the 2025-26 Red River Athletic Conference Athletic Director of the Year, the fourth time overall that he has received the award.
Morgan guided one of the most successful athletic years in school history as LSUS captured conference championships in five of its six sports programs during the 2025-26 academic year. Four of the university’s six teams advanced to NAIA national tournament competition, with two programs reaching their respective national championship final sites.
In addition to competitive success, LSUS elevated its national profile by serving as host for NAIA postseason events in men’s soccer, men’s basketball, and baseball. It marked the first time the institution hosted national tournament events in both men’s soccer and men’s basketball, showcasing the growth and visibility of the Pilots’ athletic department under Morgan’s leadership.
The success extended to the sidelines as four of LSUS’s six head coaches earned conference Coach of the Year honors in 2025-26.
Morgan’s leadership also continues to be recognized nationally through his service as First Vice President of the NAIA Athletics Directors Association.
“Receiving the RRAC Athletic Director of the Year award is truly humbling because I know it reflects the people around me far more than it reflects me,” Morgan said. “We are fortunate to work in a conference filled with outstanding athletic directors who continually challenge, support, and inspire one another to do what is best for our student-athletes.
“I’m incredibly thankful for our coaches and staff, whose passion and commitment drive everything we accomplish each day. Most importantly, I want to thank my wife for her constant support through the long hours and busy seasons allowing me to serve in the greatest profession there is.”
Retiring RRAC commissioner Tony Stigliano offered praise for the Pilots’ leader.
“Lucas continues to set the standard for athletic administration in the Red River Athletic Conference,” said Stigliano. “The competitive achievements, facility growth, national leadership, and overall vision demonstrated by LSU Shreveport this year reflect an outstanding commitment to student-athletes and championship excellence. He is a great leader at LSUS and in our conference.”
The award also comes during a transformational period for LSUS athletics facilities.
Construction is set to begin on an $8.5 million renovation project for the university’s Health and Physical Education Building. The project will include new basketball locker rooms, a new athletics weight room, and an auxiliary gym designed to enhance the student-athlete experience and support future program growth.
Morgan has also overseen the expansion of LSU Shreveport athletics with the addition of women’s volleyball, which is scheduled to begin competition during the 2026-27 academic year. He has served as the Pilots’ athletic director since 2016.