University of Houston Athletics
Westfall Joins Houston, to Lead Cougar Pride
5/14/2026 11:00:00 AM | General, Cougar Pride
HOUSTON – University of Houston Athletics has hired Leighann Westfall, a rapid rising professional within collegiate athletics, as its Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development/Executive Director of Cougar Pride, pending final University approval, Vice President for Athletics Eddie Nuñez announced Thursday.
Westfall will oversee the day-to-day operations and provide administrative supervision of Cougar Pride, Houston Athletics' fundraising arm. She will also implement and manage Houston's major gifts and premium seating programs, focusing on large contributions.
"I'm excited to return to college athletics at such a special place with so much momentum and pride," Westfall said. "Growing up in Houston, this opportunity is especially meaningful, and I'm proud to truly embody being 'Built By Houston.' I'm eager to help strengthen the connection between the city, its supporters, and Cougar Athletics. I'm incredibly grateful to Eddie and Alvin [Franklin] for the opportunity to contribute to the success and excitement they're already building at the University of Houston."
A Houston native, Westfall joins the Cougars from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo where she served as Director of Legacy Giving and returns to collegiate athletics after spending six-plus years, across multiple positions, at LSU.
In her most recent role at LSU she served as Tiger Athletic Foundation's Vice President of Donor Relations and Stewardship. In this position she planned and executed all fundraising events, and directed the stewardship program for their major gift society. She also oversaw the operation and fundraising efforts for Baseball, Men's Basketball and Women's Basketball booster clubs.
"We're excited to have Leighann join our team at the University of Houston," Nuñez said. "We wanted to be very diligent in this process in finding the right person who can raise the standard of our department. Leighann has great energy and she's going to be a vital addition to our team as we continue to increase our revenue streams and grow our donor base."
In her first role with LSU Athletics, she served as Executive Director of External Relations and Letterwinner Engagement. Westfall oversaw the daily operations for LSU's L Club, the school's letterwinner program, as well as handled oversight for LSU's spirit squads and community relations unit. She was also responsible for the planning and execution of events such as the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame, the statue unveiling for Seimone Augustus, the annual Mikey Awards and other department-wide initiatives.
"Leighann is the perfect person to lead our Cougar Pride team," Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director/Chief Revenue Officer Alvin Franklin said. "Her infectious personality and elite work ethic will be well received by our donor base. Being born and raised here in Houston, she has a love and admiration for the City of Houston and its culture. We couldn't be more excited to welcome Leighann Houston Athletics."
Westfall earned her start in college athletics at LSU after working in minor league baseball for the Omaha Storm Chasers. She had previous stints at SMU in their admission office and with the Academy of Country Music Awards working on their operations and events team for several years.
She earned her bachelors degree from Northwestern State and her masters from SMU and resides in Houston.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of University of Houston Athletics by providing NIL opportunities and by joining Cougar Pride which provides financial support for student-athlete scholarships and priority needs of the Athletics Department.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
Westfall will oversee the day-to-day operations and provide administrative supervision of Cougar Pride, Houston Athletics' fundraising arm. She will also implement and manage Houston's major gifts and premium seating programs, focusing on large contributions.
"I'm excited to return to college athletics at such a special place with so much momentum and pride," Westfall said. "Growing up in Houston, this opportunity is especially meaningful, and I'm proud to truly embody being 'Built By Houston.' I'm eager to help strengthen the connection between the city, its supporters, and Cougar Athletics. I'm incredibly grateful to Eddie and Alvin [Franklin] for the opportunity to contribute to the success and excitement they're already building at the University of Houston."
A Houston native, Westfall joins the Cougars from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo where she served as Director of Legacy Giving and returns to collegiate athletics after spending six-plus years, across multiple positions, at LSU.
In her most recent role at LSU she served as Tiger Athletic Foundation's Vice President of Donor Relations and Stewardship. In this position she planned and executed all fundraising events, and directed the stewardship program for their major gift society. She also oversaw the operation and fundraising efforts for Baseball, Men's Basketball and Women's Basketball booster clubs.
"We're excited to have Leighann join our team at the University of Houston," Nuñez said. "We wanted to be very diligent in this process in finding the right person who can raise the standard of our department. Leighann has great energy and she's going to be a vital addition to our team as we continue to increase our revenue streams and grow our donor base."
In her first role with LSU Athletics, she served as Executive Director of External Relations and Letterwinner Engagement. Westfall oversaw the daily operations for LSU's L Club, the school's letterwinner program, as well as handled oversight for LSU's spirit squads and community relations unit. She was also responsible for the planning and execution of events such as the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame, the statue unveiling for Seimone Augustus, the annual Mikey Awards and other department-wide initiatives.
"Leighann is the perfect person to lead our Cougar Pride team," Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director/Chief Revenue Officer Alvin Franklin said. "Her infectious personality and elite work ethic will be well received by our donor base. Being born and raised here in Houston, she has a love and admiration for the City of Houston and its culture. We couldn't be more excited to welcome Leighann Houston Athletics."
Westfall earned her start in college athletics at LSU after working in minor league baseball for the Omaha Storm Chasers. She had previous stints at SMU in their admission office and with the Academy of Country Music Awards working on their operations and events team for several years.
She earned her bachelors degree from Northwestern State and her masters from SMU and resides in Houston.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of University of Houston Athletics by providing NIL opportunities and by joining Cougar Pride which provides financial support for student-athlete scholarships and priority needs of the Athletics Department.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
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