Climbing the Coaching Ladder with Garrett Hudgins
Learn about Garrett Hudgin’s current journey as a Student Manager at Winthrop University.
Garrett Hudgins is a Student Manager for Winthrop University, where he’s currently majoring in Sports Management. We talked to Garrett about his current role as a Student Manager for the university’s program and what his long term goals are in the sports industry.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in sports management, let alone coaching?
GH: I’ve been watching sports since 2015 when I was about 9 years old. I’m originally from Akron, Ohio—so if you know anything about the NBA, you know that’s where LeBron James is from too. That really sparked my interest in sports from a young age. As I got older, especially during high school, I realized I not only loved watching sports but also had the mindset to teach, lead, and inspire players myself. That’s when it hit me—coaching could be a real career for me. As I’ve grown into a mentorship role, I’ve started to see the bigger picture: coaching isn’t just about strategy—it’s about relationships, leadership, and building people up. Each step I’ve taken has been a step closer to building that coaching identity.
Q: What do some of your responsibilities include as the Student Manager in your current program?
GH: Some of my daily tasks include operating SportsCode, filming games, rebounding for players, wiping up sweat during practices, and handing out water during games. But outside of those responsibilities, I try to be fully engaged—clapping, giving energy, and being interactive with the players and coaches. That enthusiasm is part of what I believe sets a future coach apart. I don’t take any moment for granted. Every chance to help on or off the court is a chance to grow as a leader and understand the little things that matter in building a successful team culture.
Q: You’re currently learning the fundamentals of being a mentor while being mentored yourself. Do you have any specific learning methods or tactics you use to make the learning curve easier?
GH: I try to absorb everything like a sponge. I’m already a pretty aware person, so I focus a lot on how our coaches communicate in all situations—whether it’s with players, refs, or each other. I pay attention to tone, timing, and how they build trust while still holding people accountable. Every time I listen or watch, I pick up on something I can add to my own toolkit as a coach. Being mentored in this environment while observing high-level coaches in real time has helped me start shaping how I’d want to carry myself in the future.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received so far in your journey? How much of an impact has it had on you so far?
GH: The best advice I’ve received is: “Say yes to every opportunity and be versatile however you can help.” That simple mindset has already opened so many doors for me. Whether it’s filming, rebounding, or jumping into a last-minute task, I always say yes because I never know who’s watching or what experience I’ll gain from it. That willingness to be flexible and reliable is something I want to carry into my coaching career—just like the best leaders do.
Q: Although you’re not a full-time coach yet, how would you describe yourself as a leader and mentor within the program?
GH: From August to April, I spend the majority of my time with the team. I make it a point to be present—whether it’s at team dinners, shootarounds, pregame meals, or just being in the locker room during halftime. I believe leadership starts with availability and consistency. Even though I’m not officially a coach yet, I try to bring a steady presence to the team. Being there for players, even in small ways, is preparing me for the leadership role I’m working toward.
Q: Could you name a time where you helped a player face a specific challenge? If so, what was the challenge and what role did you play in the player’s situation?
GH: There have been several times I’ve coached kids between the ages of 8 and 15, but one moment stands out. Over the summer, I was doing basketball lessons with a 6th grader. A few days later, his mom texted me saying, “Hayes made his Heat team! He’s so excited. Thank you for working with him!! I know it has helped.” That moment stuck with me. It reminded me that coaching goes beyond drills—it’s about instilling confidence and helping people believe in themselves. Moments like that reinforce my purpose and help me grow more committed to the craft of mentoring.
Q: As you continue your journey to become a coach yourself, what is your ideal situation that you would want to be placed in?
GH: Ideally, I’d like to be in a stable coaching position where I can support myself and my future family while helping a Division I team compete for championships. But beyond just a title or salary, I want to be in an environment where I can grow as a coach—somewhere with mentors who will continue to challenge me, and where I can, in turn, help players evolve and reach their goals not just in basketball but in life. I’m focused on building a career that’s rooted in long-term impact, learning, and leadership.
Thank you to Garrett for joining us and sharing his ongoing experience and long term goals. We learned a lot about Garrett and what methods he uses to further help him grow as a student of the game and becoming a future coach.