HTHS hires new girls’ basketball coach

By Alex Headley

 

Vincent ‘Stu’ Studeman has been named the girls’ basketball coach for Hewitt-Trussville. Studeman is a Trussville native with strong ties to the school and the community.

“It’s a place that I’ve always been drawn to,” he said. “I have deep roots in Trussville. My dad was best in class at Hewitt-Trussville in high school. With the leadership from (HTHS Athletic Director Karen) Johns, it was very attractive.”

Johns brought Studeman to the school. Johns and Studeman have a long-standing relationship.

“We had three major reasons for the hire,” Johns said. “His passion for the job was second to none. His knowledge of on the court (and) off the court training is very strong. I’ve known him since he was nine years old. His family has a lot of coaching history behind it.”

According to Johns, the girls’ team has struggled in the past few years.

“We knew Stu would bring some long term commitment,” she said.

Studeman has worked for various colleges, including the University of Alabama in the past few years, but has decided to move into high school sports.

“He followed his heart and came back to high school,” Johns said. “He knew he could do good things with these kids.”

Studeman said that the high school kid is very eager to learn.

“You can have a much deeper impact on their lives than in college,” he said. “High school is a much better fit for me.”

According to Studeman, the facilities and leadership of the HT athletic department was a strong draw.

“I spent a lot of time in the college game in many levels: player, assistant and coach,” he said. “I learned that I valued my time with people very closely. College was a little too competitive with the recruiting.”

Studeman’s goals for the first year center on creating a culture of excellence.

“I want to make sure we reach our potential, whether that is 2 wins or 40,” he said. “I want to bring the community an exciting brand of basketball in the area. I want the relationships I build here to be lasting and impactful, but we are still going to win games and championships.”

Studeman is bringing Lucy Lenley and Madison Thompson onto the coaching staff.

“Lenley coached in New Mexico and played in Troy,” Studeman said. “She is an excellent role model for these girls.”

Thompson is the current video coordinator for the UAB girl’s team.

“I’m excited to work with her,” Studeman said. “I’m very blessed to have this opportunity. God has given me another challenge to climb and I’m ready to hike it.”