LSU women’s basketball coach Pokey Chatman announced her resignation Wednesday in a news release. Chatman will remain with the team until April 30 before leaving to pursue “other career opportunities.” The news comes as the No. 10 Lady Tigers prepare for an NCAA Tournament appearance. Chatman’s decision was a revelation to those inside the LSU Athletic Administration Building. Assistant Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette told the AP he was “shocked” by Chatman’s announcement. Chatman said she would not allow the decision to affect the team’s performance and refused to discuss her. “To eliminate any further distraction from our preparation for and participation in the NCAA Tournament, I will have no further comment and answer no questions on this subject,” Chatman said. LSU Athletic Director Skip Bertman said in a news release that Chatman’s split from the University was amicable. “We respect the decision that Pokey Chatman has made regarding her future career opportunities,” Bertman said. “On behalf of LSU, I thank her for her athletic accomplishments as a player and as a coach and for the community service work she has performed for Baton Rouge and Louisiana. We wish her success in her future endeavors.” Bertman said he will not comment further on the matter until the Tigers’ season concludes. The Daily Reveille contacted several members of LSU Athletics seeking comment. LSU softball coach Yvette Girouard said LSU has lost a good basketball coach. She said Chatman did well in her 18 years at LSU. “I think she’s a product of LSU,” Girouard said. “She’s LSU’s daughter. Anytime you lose someone like that, someone who has poured their hearts and guts into a program – I think you lose a treasure when that happens.” Girouard said Tiger fans are mourning the loss. “I know a lot of people are disappointed tonight,” Girouard said. Associate Sports Information Director Brian Miller said he knew nothing more than the press release disclosed to the media. LSU junior guard Khalilah Mitchell said she was not at liberty to talk about Chatman. “We can’t talk about anything,” Mitchell said. Chatman’s mother Carolyn Fiffie said she is excited for her daughter’s new course but would not divulge what it is. “She needed a change,” Fiffie said. “That’s what she said she wanted.” Chatman is finishing her third full season as Lady Tigers coach. She has compiled a 90-14 record, including two Final Four appearances. Chatman’s current annual compensation is $400,000 plus endorsements. Chatman began as an assistant coach under Sue Gunther. When Gunther stepped down to battle lung cancer in the spring of 2004, Chatman led the team to the Final Four as interim coach. As a player, Chatman was a guard for the Lady Tigers. When she finished in 1991, Chatman was the all-time Tigers’ assists and steals leader with 570 and 346, respectively.
Amy Brittain contributed to this report.
—–Contact David Hebert at dhebert@lsureveille.com