Hudson hired as new Tide coach

The Alabama women's basketball program is headed in a new direction, and Wendell Hudson will be the man to take them there.

Hudson, associate athletic director for alumni relations at the University, was announced as the eighth head coach in the program's history on March 15 by Athletics Director Mal Moore.

"In addition to being the first African-American scholarship athlete at the University of Alabama, Wendell has remained a respected and important individual at our University for many years," Moore said. "He is uniquely qualified for this position at this time. I can think of no one that understands the landscape and the challenges, as well as the opportunities that face our women's program at this time."

Hudson takes over for Stephany Smith, who was dismissed on March 11, after three disappointing seasons at Alabama.

The Crimson Tide posted only four SEC wins during Smith's tenure and finished the 2007-08 season with an 8-22 record.

"This is going to be a good move for me and the University. I have a tremendous passion for Alabama athletics," Hudson said. "I know I can get the best out of people and can get people to work hard together. This is going to be a really good challenge, and I look forward to getting started."

Hudson has more than 26 years of coaching experience with both men and women's teams. He began his coaching career at Alabama as an assistant under C.M. Newton, from 1974-79.

After coaching stops at Rice, Ole Miss and Baylor universities, Hudson went to McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas, and became involved in athletics administration. While at McLennan, he coached the women's basketball team for 11 seasons and compiled a 219-117 record.

Hudson returned to the Capstone in 2003, when he was hired as the associate athletic director for alumni relations. He inherits a team that loses only one scholarship player from last year.

"I am really excited. I'm looking forward to getting to know coach and getting this program in the right direction," junior Camilla Blands said. "I can't wait to get the off-season program started."