They are the only ones in the U.S.—brother and sister head coaches of basketball programs that have won national championships. With heart, humility and a whole lot of hustle, FHU Men's Basketball Head Coach Drew Stutts and FHU Women's Basketball Head Coach Abby Stutts reflect a lifelong love for the game. This love was planted deep in the red clay of Florence, Alabama, and nurtured in a home where discipline, faith and sports were foundational.

Their father, Miles Stutts, a former Freed-Hardeman baseball player turned minister, set the tone early on. “Basketball wasn't just a game—it was part of our identity,” Drew said. Their mother, Carla, a dedicated elementary school teacher, brought in the academic grit and quiet encouragement.

“We grew up with the game,” Abby added. “Watching Drew and our sister Ella play, I was the little redhead in the bleachers who couldn’t wait for her turn.”

The oldest of the three, Drew made his mark on the court and baseball diamond early, while Ella excelled in three sports and Abby followed in their footsteps with basketball and volleyball. But Abby’s path was hard-earned—four knee surgeries by the end of high school tested her commitment. Still, her love of the game never wavered. “Basketball has always been my love,” Abby said. “Even when I was sidelined, I never stepped away.”

Drew’s passion also grew stronger, and so did his leadership. He coached Abby’s travel basketball team in high school. “It’s always been a family affair,” he said.

Drew’s coaching career began at Mars Hill Bible School and included a stint at Chester County High School before he eventually stepped into an assistant role at FHU. Now in his sixth year as head coach, he’s helped build a nationally recognized men’s program. Abby joined the staff in 2020 as an assistant. She hadn’t planned to leave Florence, but when the position opened during the pandemic, Drew gave her the nudge she needed.

“He’s always been a voice when I had doubts,” Abby shared. “Even when I didn’t feel ready, he’d remind me I could do it. I never thought I’d coach college ball, let alone with my brother,” she said. “But here we are, and I’m so thankful.”

Finishing her first year as head coach, Abby led the Lady Lions to a standout 28-6 season, while Drew’s team finished 30-6. Together, they’ve created a culture of discipline, preparation and belief. Their coaching styles reflect their strengths and their personalities balance one another. Abby is ultra-organized and structured. Drew believes in staying focused without overcomplicating. Together, they model leadership with patience and poise.

“We’re a lot alike,” Drew said. “We’re both thinkers, both calm. I’m a little more laid-back. Abby’s definitely the planner.”

“He reminds me to breathe,” Abby added. “When I get overwhelmed, he tells me to prioritize. That was my first big coaching lesson.”

For Drew, a high school semifinal loss from his early coaching days still stings—and still motivates. “We weren’t prepared. I remember feeling down at dinner after that game. I told myself I’d never go into a game like that again.” That experience shaped his approach to preparation and strategy, and it paid off: In 2024, he led FHU’s men’s team to a national title.

Abby, meanwhile, reflects on a huge win as her turning point—beating a then-undefeated Campbellsville team on their home court. “They were ranked higher and undefeated on their home court. We beat them by 10 at their place. That was our most special win—it showed how far we’d come,” Abby said.

Pre-game routines offer a glimpse into each coach’s mindset. In Drew’s locker room, the message is always clear: Earn it. “It’s 40 minutes. That’s all that matters. You gotta go earn it.” He reviews matchups in detail, focusing on the mental and strategic approach to the game.

Abby keeps her pregame talks centered on identity. She writes “Fearless. Hardworking. United.” (an acronym for FHU) on the whiteboard, reminding her team of their core values. “I always tell them: ‘Be us. Remember how we started—us versus us.’”

For Drew, coaching at FHU isn’t just a job. It’s a calling. “I’ve always felt I was meant for something great. I didn’t have the best playing experience in college, but this—coaching here, where our values align—it feels like God brought us to the right place.”

Abby agrees. “I’m just thankful. I’ve seen how God has worked in my life this year. I didn’t expect this path, but He’s guided every step.”

Hosting games at FHU, traveling to national tournaments (Kansas City for the men, Iowa for the women), and building lasting memories—Drew and Abby are just getting started.

“After you win, people start expecting it,” Drew said. “But I hope our community never stops appreciating what these teams accomplish.”

“We’ve had a great year,” Abby added. “And I want our players to remember these moments forever.”

While the Lions and Lady Lions made NAIA Fab Four and Elite Eight appearances in 2025, boasting records of 30-6 and 28-6 respectively, what Drew and Abby have built at Freed-Hardeman speaks far louder than any final score. Both coaches led their teams through fiercely competitive schedules, postseason runs and defining moments that revealed the heart of their programs.

From late-night film sessions and locker room strategy boards to emotional wins and tough but teachable losses, the Stutts siblings have proven that legacy isn’t always written in banners—it’s shaped in the quiet, daily commitment to excellence, faith and family.

As Abby put it best, “We’ve had a great year and a lot of wins. But more than anything, I hope our players remember the moments that made them fearless, hardworking and united.”