Henderson, Tennessee — (June 7, 2024) — Freed-Hardeman University Athletic Director Jonathan Estes did not have to look long or far to fill the head coaching position for the Lady Lion basketball team, removing the interim tag and elevating Abby Stutts to be just the sixth head coach in 45 years
“Abby is a star! She values the mission of FHU to develop these young ladies God given abilities for His glory,” exclaimed Estes. “She is a tireless worker who will continue to push the standard of excellence forward that has been set within this program for over a quarter of a century. She has proven over her four years on the sideline of Smith-Kirk Court that she is ready to lead this program and will do so with intensity, integrity and class. The future of Lady Lions basketball is in great hands with Coach Abby Stutts.”
A native of Alabama, Stutts spent the last four seasons as the assistant coach, where she was in charge of scouting opponents, several camps and helped run practices. While assistant, Stutts coached two All-Americans, four All-Mid-South Conference players and several academic award-winners.
In the last four seasons, she helped the Lady Lions make three consecutive NAIA National Tournament appearances while winning the Mid-South Conference tournament crown in the 2022-23 season.
“There is a lot of rich tradition in women’s basketball here at Freed-Hardeman,” Stutts said. “I have loved my time being a part of this program, and I’m excited to be able to put my own stamp in the Lady Lions history books. We have a great group of girls that I have built meaningful relationships with and look forward to working with them every day.”
Before her time at FHU, Stutts was the head coach for Alabama’s Lexington High School where the Lady Golden Bears had a 14-11 record and were the area runners-up and the sub-region runners-up. Before that she led the JV program for a season while assisting the varsity squad for three years.
No stranger to coaching, Stutts volunteered as an assistant volleyball coach at Lexington High School and Lexington Middle School for four years.
“I believe my time here as an assistant and my previous experiences have prepared me for this opportunity,” Stutts said. “I am so honored and grateful for Athletic Director Jonathan Estes and President David Shannon for believing in me and allowing me to lead our women’s basketball program at FHU.”
A 2016 alumna of Mars Hill Bible School in Florence, Alabama, Stutts holds the record for most 3-pointers in a single season, garnering both All-State and All-Area honors for the Lady Panthers.
She obtained a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of North Alabama in 2019.
“Being a Lady Lion is something special. We are a family who loves each other through the good and the bad and are all striving to be the best we can be in every aspect of our lives. The standard for Lady Lions Basketball is to compete for Championships. I am ready to get to work! Go Lions!”
Coach Abby is the younger sister of FHU men’s basketball coach Drew and daughter of Miles and Carla Stutts.
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees