Cottey College has announced the hiring of Luke Huddleston as its new Head Basketball Coach, effective immediately. Huddleston joins the Comets after a rapid rise through the NCAA Division II coaching ranks, bringing postseason experience, player development success, and a proven record of winning to Cottey.
Athletic Director Maryann Mitts praised Coach Huddleston's emphasis on development and character. "Coach Huddleston's background has been immersed in championship cultures. His welcoming aura and innate abiltiy to coach and teach the game at a high level make him a perfect fit for our basketball program. Along with his philosophical approach aligning well with our campus and the NAIA, Coach Huddelston brings a holistic approach to college athletics. We are so excited to welcome him to Cottey and look forward to watching him develop the program in the years to come."
Huddleston arrives at Cottey following his most recent role as an Assistant Coach at Missouri Southern for the 2025–26 season. Before joining MSSU, he spent the 2024–25 campaign at Columbus State University, where he helped guide the Cougars to a 21–9 record and a trip to the second round of the NCAA Division II Tournament. During his tenure, CSU ranked top‑10 nationally in both steals per game and forced turnovers, with three players earning Peach Belt Conference honors.
Prior to Columbus State, Huddleston spent two highly successful seasons as an assistant at Pittsburg State University (2022–24). His first year saw the Gorillas post a 23–8 record and advance to the NCAA Division II Central Regional semifinals, with four players receiving All‑MIAA recognition. The following season, PSU captured its first‑ever post-season MIAA Tournament Championship, returned to the NCAA Tournament, and finished 24–8, featuring two First‑Team All‑MIAA selections.
"I am extremely excited to be taking over at Cottey! Being familiar with the area, I know there is a ton of talent and passion for basketball, and I am excited to bring that to Cottey College. Cottey has proven to be a place that can be competitive in the NAIA and I'm excited to be able to bring that energy back into Hinkhouse! I'd like to thank Dr. Mitts and the entire Athletic Department for embracing me and my family as we begin our journey as Comets!"
A native of LaGrange, Georgia, Huddleston is a graduate of the University of West Georgia, earning both his bachelor's and master's degrees in Sport Management. Huddleston is engaged to Mikaela Burgess, with the couple planning to get married this summer. Coach Huddleston will begin his coaching duties immediately.
