WKU head coach is facing a week-to-week recovery following a significant foot injury sustained last Wednesday before the team’s trip to UTEP.
“My Lisfranc injury will require a major surgery,” Hudson shared, explaining that it led to his absence from last weekend’s games. Surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, and Hudson anticipates that the next two weeks will be unpredictable depending on his post-surgery condition.
Ironically, assistant coach Craig Bere also sustained an injury in the same volleyball league, tearing his Achilles just 15 minutes after Hudson’s incident. Both coaches have participated in the tournament every year since college, and both will undergo surgery on Wednesday by the same surgeon.
Hudson was with the team at the airport, considering whether he could still make the trip to UTEP but ultimately decided to stay back. This was just the second time in Hudson’s three-decade coaching career that he missed a game. Assistant coaches Jena Otec, Kristi Griffin, and graduate assistant Kyle Cohan stepped in and secured two crucial wins at UTEP.
“The focus often lands on me for our team’s accomplishments,” Hudson remarked, “but I’m simply the foundation; they can succeed without me.” He expressed appreciation for his coaching staff’s efforts, noting the weekend’s success as proof of their capabilities.
Both Hudson and Bere face 6-8 weeks of non-weight-bearing recovery but are optimistic about returning to the sidelines soon. Hudson’s presence this weekend when the team hosts New Mexico State will depend on his recovery, though his coaching role will be limited, with Otec, Griffin, and Cohan taking on greater responsibilities.
Hudson expects to be fully ready by the conference tournament but remains unsure about next week’s road games at Sam Houston.
The Hilltoppers will be at home this Friday, welcoming New Mexico State to Diddle Arena for a 6 p.m. game.
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