Freed-Hardeman University

Abby Stutts begins her second year as head coach of the Lady Lions in the 2025-26 season.

Her first season was a big one as she led the Lady Lions to the national quarterfinals after hosting the first and second rounds of the NAIA National Tournament. 

"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 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 her four seasons as assistant, she helped the Lady Lions to three consecutive NAIA National Tournament appearances while winning the Mid-South Conference tournament crown in the 2022-23 season.

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 a assistant volleyball coach at Lexington High School and Lexington Middle School for four years. 

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. 
Coach Abby is the younger sister of FHU men's basketball coach, Drew, and daughter of Miles and Carla Stutts.