Janice Joseph-Richard: Louisiana College women’s hoops coach and former player dies at 46

Louisiana College head women’s basketball coach Janice Joseph-Richard died Wednesday after a five-year battle with breast cancer. The coach of the reigning Division III American Southwest Conference champion team was 46.

The D3Hoops.com South Region Coach of the Year and native of Alexandria, Louisiana was forced to take an indefinite leave of absence this season to fight a relapse of the cancer.

Players kept Joseph-Richard in their thoughts from the beginning of the season when the Lady Wildcats received their conference championship rings and raised their new banner.

“We think about her every day,” said LC senior forward Tillisha Givens, the reigning ASC Player of the Year. “What Coach Richard is going through right now is tough, but we’re praying for her every day and using her as our motivation heading into the season. We definitely have a lot to play for. We’re dedicating this entire year to her.”

Joseph-Richard led the team for the past three seasons. Last season the Lady Wildcats had a 24-3 record and NCAA Division III tournament for the first time. Her coaching career included time at Xavier University in New Orleans and San Jose State.

She played at LC in the mid 1980’s and led the team to a number one national ranking and a final four appearance (1986).  She holds school records for points in a season (822), most field goals in a season (315), and most free-throws made in a season (192).

Funeral arrangements are pending.