Yvette Girouard Field at Lamson Park in Lafayette, La. on March 21, 2025. (Photo credit: Scott Clause | The Daily Advertiser, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Alyson Habetz insists she’s good. After all, fighting has become second nature for her.
The head coach at Louisiana revealed her breast cancer diagnosis late Monday night in a post on X (formerly Twitter). She has already completed four of the six rounds of chemotherapy.
“Until now, I’ve shared this with only a small circle of people,” she said in a statement. “I didn’t want anyone to worry, because, truthfully, I am not worried. Since my diagnosis, my two main concerns were telling my mom and telling my team. God has blessed me with tremendous faith, and from the very beginning, I have trusted that He has this.”
“I am incredibly grateful for Dr. Joseph Briere and the entire medical team at Our Lady of Lourdes. They have been absolutely amazing. I have complete confidence in their care, and more than that, they have made me feel like family throughout this journey.”
Habetz says she intends to coach the Ragin’ Cajuns in 2027, marking her third year at the helm of the program.
“I know this journey comes with challenges, and I welcome them,” she wrote. “Hardships and trials have a way of growing us, strengthening us and reminding us of what really matters. In my experience, the tougher the trial, the more God shows off!”
Before taking the job in Lafayette, Habetz spent 25 years on the coaching staff at Alabama. She was hired as an assistant in 1998 before rising to associate head coach in 2007.
Habetz left Alabama before the 2024 season to care for her mother and was out of the game until her alma mater called. She was a standout softball and basketball player for the Cajuns, helping Louisiana reach the Women’s College World Series in 1993.
Habetz was also inducted into the University of Louisiana’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003.
“I am blessed beyond measure with an incredible family and amazing friends,” Habetz said. “I get to coach a special group of young women every day, and I’m surrounded by assistant coaches, support staff and people who continually step up, pour into me and remind me of how blessed I truly am.”
Listen now to The IX Sports Podcast and Women’s Sports Daily
We are excited to announce the launch of TWO new podcasts for all the women’s sports fans out there looking for a daily dose of women’s sports news and analysis. Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or anywhere you listen to podcasts, and make sure to subscribe!
Habetz isn’t the first to continue coaching through cancer treatment and she won’t be the last. Florida State’s Lonni Alameda was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025 and didn’t miss a game. She is now in remission.
Support for Habetz has poured in from across the country.
“Keep Aly in your prayers,” Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy said.
“One of the strongest women I know and someone that means so much to a lot of us,” Alabama softball broadcaster Gray Robertson said. “We’re with you every step of the way, Aly!”
Softball headlines of the week
Former MLB All-Star makes move to college softball, joins Idaho State coaching staff
Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic reveals loaded 2027 softball lineup
Texas A&M Softball adds former Ivy League Pitcher of the Year
Professional baseball player announces return to South Carolina Softball
Eleven teams announced for 2027 Shriner’s Clearwater Invitational in February
Rep The IX Sports at your next game!
Shop the logo collection or special “Women’s Sports are Front Page News” collection now on Shopify.
Soccer: Annie Peterson, @AnnieMPeterson, AP Women’s Soccer
Tennis: Joey Dillon, @JoeyDillon, Freelance Tennis Writer
Basketball: Howard Megdal, @HowardMegdal, The IX Sports
Softball: Maren Angus-Coombs, @Maren-Angus, The IX Sports
Golf: Marin Dremock, @MDremock, The IX Sports
Hockey: @TheIceGarden, The Ice Garden
Gymnastics: Jessica Taylor Price, @jesstaylorprice, Freelance Writer
