October 10, 2024
NATCHITOCHES – Mike McConathy – coach, servant-leader, mentor and ambassador – is returning to Northwestern State University to serve as a special advisor to new President James Genovese.
McConathy will utilize his skills in fostering relationships and his vast professional network to reinforce recruiting and external support for the university, serving as a key contact with high school personnel, coaches and the numerous colleagues, families and individuals he impacted over 40 years of coaching.
McConathy has already begun visiting nearby high schools to improve or rekindle relationships but said the groundswell should begin locally.
“It’s important that we start in Natchitoches. We have over 4,800 graduates in Natchitoches, and we’ve got to get more of them excited about our school,” McConathy said. “I want to reengage alumni to let them know Northwestern appreciates them. They can help us communicate the positive.”
McConathy’s long career as a successful basketball coach – including 23 record-shattering years at Northwestern, his parents’ alma mater – brought him many accolades over the years but he is just as well-known as a role model engaged in community service, often during his tenure weed-eating or power washing facilities or volunteering to drive other teams to competition when no one else was available.
A self-described people person, he has been deeply involved since his Airline High School days in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. During his five-decade collegiate coaching career, McConathy used athletics as a vehicle to instill confidence, discipline and a sense of purpose in others, while reaching throughout communities and high schools around Louisiana with positive messaging.
The conversations advocating Northwestern are already taking place.
“In Shreveport and Bossier, for example, there are large high schools where our alumni are working in the school,” McConathy said. “Our focus is to work with the Office of Recruiting in places where we are currently getting about 150 students and we should be getting more.”
Genovese said the relationships that McConathy developed with coaches, players and educators over the years will translate well into outreach to future Northwestern students, their parents and teachers.
“Coach McConathy’s outgoing, authentic nature and relatability resonates with people,” Genovese said. “Throughout his career, he supported many students and staff on their personal and professional journeys. His experience will be important in building relationships with stakeholders. We’re very happy to have him back on our team.”
Information for future Northwestern State students is available at http://www.nsu.la/explore.
