The St. Edward’s University men’s basketball program announced that it has hired Stephen Ayala to the position of assistant coach on Tuesday. Ayala returns to the Hilltop after most recently being the lead assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the men’s basketball program at Talladega College.
“I am thrilled to welcome Steve back to our Hilltopper family,” St. Edward’s head coach Andre Cook said. “He has been such an integral part of our success during his seven years on the Hilltop. Steve knows the ins and outs of the program and did a great job during his year away for Chris Wright at Talladega. I know Steve will hit the ground running.”
In his one-year stint at Talladega College, Ayala helped Head Coach Chris Wright develop a team that won 32 games in one season and made the NAIA National Championship game against Loyola University. Ayala was responsible for all scouting reports and assisted in the defensive game planning and offensive on court where the team ranked 2nd in the country in points allowed per game and 4th in opponent field goal percentage.
“Steve brings a wealth of knowledge of St. Edward’s University and our program. No time will be wasted in showing Steve the ropes.
Before departing for Talladega College, Ayala spent 6 years on the Hilltop with Head Coach Andre Cook as the student manager and graduate assistant. During his time at St. Edward’s, Coach Ayala was named the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches’ Small College Student Assistant of the Year after helping the basketball program to a 27-4 record and 2 NCAA tournaments. The Hilltoppers logged a 132-55 record during his time on the staff.
A 2020 graduate of St. Edward’s University, Ayala holds a Master of Science in Leadership and Change.
https://gohilltoppers.com/news/2022/7/27/stephen-ayala-named-mens-basketball-assistant-coach.aspx
