It’s no secret; the University of Louisville has not had the brightest days in recent years.
Both the university and athletics have been through the wringer. Scandal after scandal. Front page ESPN news and bottom screen tickers. It’s been extremely rough and extremely public.
Since October 2015, the university has had a dark cloud hanging over it.
Fans have been mocked. The beloved University of Louisville went from being seen as a national renowned institution to almost losing accreditation.
From alleged stripper parties to mismanagement of university funds, a lack of transparency to an over zealous Governor who wants absolute control; the university has suffered.
However, the tides are changing. The clouds are parting and the storm is starting to pass.
Let’s just reflect on the last week.
- Louisville Men’s Swimming & Diving finished ninth at the NCAA Championship – a team best.
- Marcelo Acosta was named an All-American.
- Louisville Football hosted Pro Day that was broadcast on the NFL Network.
- Louisville Women’s Basketball won the Lexington Regional and earned a spot in the Women’s Final Four.
- Asia Durr was named the Lexington Regional Most Outstanding Player.
- Asia Durr and Myisha Hines-Allen we’re named AP All-Americans.
- Vince Tyra was named the permanent Athletic Director.
- Chris Mack was named the head coach of the Louisville Men’s Basketball team.
It’s starting to feel like the good ol’ days again.
For months it has felt like a never ending cycle of bad news. Hit after hit. The reputation of the university has been tarnished by a few rogue employees.
We lost a lot; respect, admiration, a Hall of Fame head coach and a top notch Athletic Director.
“They say the darkest clouds elicit the brightest lightning bolt. That lightning bolt is coming” – Coach Chris Mack
During his introductory press conference, Louisville head coach Chris Mack delivered the message all Louisville fans needed to hear…
He’s going to work his ass off to make the fans proud of Louisville Basketball again.
While yesterday signaled the end of the Pitino Era, it marked the beginning of a new era. An era that is scary, uncharted. An era that is exciting.
Louisville took a punch to the gut when the NCAA took the Final Four and National Championship banners. But, like Muhammad Ali, we got back up and kept fighting.
We are resilient.
And under Coach Mack, we will return to our rightful spot at the top of college hoops.
