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UAH Names Softball Field After Legendary Coach Les Stuedeman
The university honors Stuedeman's nearly 30-year tenure building the Chargers into a national powerhouse.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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The University of Alabama in Huntsville is naming its softball field after longtime head coach Les Stuedeman, who founded the program in 1996 and led it for nearly three decades, transforming the Chargers into a perennial Gulf South Conference powerhouse with 13 conference titles and 26 NCAA tournament appearances.
Why it matters
Stuedeman's long and successful tenure building UAH softball into a national contender makes her a beloved figure in the university and local community. Naming the field in her honor ensures her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Charger softball players.
The details
Stuedeman founded the UAH softball program in 1996 and served as its only head coach until her retirement in 2025. During her tenure, she led the Chargers to 13 Gulf South Conference championships, 26 NCAA tournament appearances, and four NCAA Regional Championships. She coached 34 All-Americans and was named GSC Coach of the Year 10 times, as well as GSC Coach of the Decade in 2010 and 2020.
- The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees approved the resolution naming Les Stuedeman Field during its Feb. 6, 2026 meeting.
- Stuedeman retired from coaching in 2025 after nearly 30 years leading the UAH softball program.
The players
Les Stuedeman
The founder and longtime head coach of the UAH softball program, who transformed the Chargers into a national powerhouse during her nearly 30-year tenure.
Dr. Cade Smith
The UAH Director of Athletics, who praised Stuedeman's impact on the program and the decision to name the softball field in her honor.
What they’re saying
“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 proud that every Charger who plays softball at UAH will now play on Les Stuedeman Field.”
— Dr. Cade Smith, UAH Director of Athletics (256today.com)
“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.”
— Les Stuedeman (256today.com)
What’s next
UAH Athletics plans to celebrate the naming of the field later this semester, with details to be announced.
The takeaway
Stuedeman's long and successful tenure building UAH softball into a national contender has made her a beloved figure in the university and local community. Naming the field in her honor ensures her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Charger softball players.
