After guiding Northwestern State to one of the biggest turnarounds in the nation last season with 10 more wins than the previous season, Hugh Hernesman returns for his second season as co-head coach, along with his wife, Stephanie, to guide the Lady Demons into the 2011 season.
Last season, the Hernesmans guided NSU to a 13-16 record in their first season - 10 more wins than the 2009 season recorded.
That turnaround has to do with both the talent and competitiveness both coaches bring into a program that hasn’t seen a winning season since 1987.
Hernesman arrived at NSU after serving two seasons as the top assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Ball State and helped coach the 2008 and 2009 teams to the Mid-American Conference Tournament, where the Cardinals lost to the eventual champions both seasons.
In two years, they coached two All-MAC performers as well as developed two players that were named to the 2008 All-MAC Freshman team. They also were a major factor in boasting Ball State’s RPI from No. 254 in their first season in 2007, to No. 152 this past year.
Hugh began his collegiate coaching career at Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1995 and helped guide the Warhawks to nine consecutive NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, including four Final Four appearances (1995, 2000, 2001, 2002) and the 2002 National Championship.
His teams won six WIAC Conference titles and posted a 305-45 won-loss record. He also developed and coached eight AVCA All-Americans, including the 2002 National Player of the Year, 10 AVCA All-Region players, and 14 WIAC All-Conference athletes.
Prior to joining the Ball State staff, Hugh was joined by Stephanie to transform Hardin-Simmons into a conference champion in just three seasons.
He was named the American Southwest Conference West Division Coach of the Year in both the 2005 and 2006 seasons, coached two ASC West Division Players of the Year, two league newcomers of the year, 10 ASC All-Conference selections, and a first team Academic All-American.
He also guided his team to the 2006 ASC tournament championship and the program’s first ever NCAA Tournament appearance. His 2005 team won the ASC West Division title and was an ASC tournament runner-up. His program won the AVCA Team Academic Award for the 2004-05 sports calendar year.
Hugh began his collegiate coaching career at Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1995 and helped guide the Warhawks to nine consecutive NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, including four Final Four appearances (1995, 2000, 2001, 2002) and the 2002 National Championship.
His teams won six WIAC Conference titles and posted a 305-45 won-loss record. He also developed and coached eight AVCA All-Americans, including the 2002 National Player of the Year, 10 AVCA All-Region players, and 14 WIAC All-Conference athletes.
He and Stephanie are the proud parents of 5-year old son Austin, and 2-year old daughter Emma.
