New Les Stuedeman Field honors legendary UAH softball coach
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This week, the University of Alabama in Huntsville officially dedicated its softball field to legendary coach Lorraine “Les” Stuedeman. Stuedeman became the program’s first coach in 1995 , and retired after the 2025 season.
Stuedeman posted a 1268-431-1 career record at UAH without a single losing season.
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UAH dedicates Les Stuedeman Field
Stuedeman built the program at UAH from its first season in 1996 into a perennial Gulf South Conference (GSC) powerhouse before retiring in 2025. Now, UAH is recognizing Stuedeman’s legacy by naming the UAH softball field in her honor.
“What an honor and privilege it is for us to be able to name the field after Les. Nothing could be more fitting for someone who poured her heart and soul into building this program and facility from scratch.
I am so, so proud that every Charger who plays softball at UAH will now play on Les Stuedeman Field. She is a legend and could not be more deserving.”
Dr. Cade Smith, UAH Director of Athletics
Some of Stuedeman’s accomplishments at UAH include:
- 13 GSC championships: 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2023
- 26 appearances in the NCAA tournament: 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024
- 4 NCAA Regional Championships: 1999, 2001, 2009 and 2011
- Coached 34 All-Americans
- Named GSC Coach of the Year 10 times
- Voted GSC Coach of the Decade in 2010 and 2020
- Member of the 2026 class of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
“I loved every second of being a Charger on the field. I love and believe in The University of Alabama in Huntsville, our students and this community. To have my name become part of this campus and its history is more than I ever imagined. I am deeply grateful and honored.”
Lorraine “Les” Stuedeman
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