Katie Novak was named new head women's basketball coach at Sul Ross State University in April, 2017.
She also currently serves as Senior Woman Administrator.
The 2021-2022 season saw a 14-11 finish under Novak, the program's first winning season since 2003. They also finished 10-10 in the ASC, the most single-season conference wins in program history since joining the American Southwest Conference. Novak now has more wins per season than any coach in program history since joining the ASC.
This most recent season also marked the second straight ASC Tournament appearance, the second under Novak, and third in program history.
2020-2021's ASC Coach of the Year, Novak led the Lobos to a 10-14 record in the regular season and 7-5 in conference for a third place finish in the West Division. It was the highest seed of any women's team, the most wins in conference and the best winning percentage in conference in program history.
The Lobos went on the road and defeated Howard Payne Lady Jackets in a 75-65 triumph for the first tournament win in program history. Sully then hosted the remainder of the conference tournament for the first time.
Novak also received the Sul Ross Academic Excellence in Coaching Award for 2020-2021.
She served as head women's tennis coach for the 2020 season.
Novak came to Sul Ross after serving 3 years at Our Lady of the Lake University (San Antonio) as assistant coach and strength coach. In her first year, she helped OLLU win their 3rd consecutive regular season championship as well as make it to the NAIA Sweet Sixteen. In 2015-2016, Novak helped guide OLLU to their fourth consecutive Red River Athletic Conference regular season title as well as their second RRAC Tournament title since 2012-13. They also returned to the Sweet Sixteen of the NAIA National Tournament. The Saints won 30 games in a row, and for the first time in program history achieved a number one ranking in the NAIA national poll. In 2016-2017, OLLU won their fifth consecutive RRAC regular season championship and made the NAIA National Tournament. Novak coached 7 different All Conference players, 6 All Conference Tournament team selections, and 4 NAIA All Americans (Courtney Bayliss, Taylor Hamilton, Sonji Green, Alyssa Ward) during her time at Our Lady of the Lake.
Novak completed a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management with a minor in Psychology at Saint Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Ind. While at SJC, she was a starter and team captain for two years. She was a three-time All-Academic Great Lakes Valley Conference selection as well as a conference scholar athlete award winner. In addition, she won the Kinesiology/Sports Management departmental academic achievement award and graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Novak had ACL reconstructive surgery her senior year at Saint Joseph's, placing her on medical red shirt status. She then transferred to the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) in San Antonio to finish her career. Her senior year, Novak averaged 8 ppg and shot 36 percent from beyond the arc despite missing 11 games due to injury. She spent the majority of the season taking on more of a coaching role and assisted in preparing scouting reports and film for games. She was in the first class of UIW athletes ever to compete at the NCAA Division I level after joining the Southland Conference. In May 2014, she earned a Master of Science in Sports Management from UIW.
Novak spent six summers working for the Chicago Bulls Academy in Lisle, IL. She coached teams in the girl's program from ages 10-18. She also worked the Chicago Bulls Summer Camps, specializing in shooting technique, moves and guard work. In addition, Novak interned with Acceleration Sports Performance in Naperville, Ill. in the summer of 2013. She gained extensive knowledge in weight training, specifically injury prevention workouts.
Novak and the Lobos received the ASC Team Sportsmanship Award for the 2018-2019 season.
Shee became a certified strength coach with the National Council on Strength and Fitness in August of 2019
Novak has been married to William Lenoir since June of 2020. They have a son named Walker Novak Lenoir.
