Gunter took a medical leave of absence in the middle of the 2003-2004 season. She was later diagnosed as having emphysema and pneumonia. Assistant head coach Pokey Chatman, who had played for Gunter from 1987 to 1991 and had been an assistant since 1991 (the first year as a student assistant), became interim coach for the rest of the season. The Tigers went 15-5 under Chatman's watch and reached the Final Four for the first time in school history. However, LSU credits the entire season to Gunter. When it was apparent that Gunter would not be able to return, she formally announced her retirement on April 27 and Chatman was named her successor.