Saint Leo University’s interim head men’s basketball coach Spencer Henke has announced the hiring of Bob Ludwig and Brandon Mayhan to his staff for the 2024-25 season. Ludwig and Mayhan will serve as Henke’s assistant coaches for the upcoming season.
” Bob and Brandon bring experience and competitive fire to Bowman Center, aligning with our team and fans’ expectations,” said Henke. “Hiring elite coaches was a priority, and I’m fortunate to have Bob and Brandon with me on the bench. I look forward to working with them to bring exciting brand of basketball to this new chapter of Saint Leo men’s basketball.”
Ludwig brings over 17 years of coaching experience to the Lions bench including a plethora of postseason experience and success. He comes to Saint Leo following six seasons as the head coach at Peru State College (NAIA) in Nebraska by way of IMG Academy where he has spent the last year as a varsity head coach. Ludwig ‘s collegiate coaching experience includes stops at Nebraska Wesleyan University (2007-08), Bellevue University (2008-2011), Midland University (2011-15), Peru State (2015-16, 2017-23), and Central Wyoming College (2016-17).
“I’m excited and grateful to join this university and coaching staff,” said Ludwig. “Coach Henke’s passion for Saint Leo was clear during the interview. I will work tirelessly to support his vision and am optimistic about our program’s future.”
Ludwig’s teams have combined to win five conference titles and eight NAIA tournament appearances including finishing as the national runner-up in 2014 with Midland. He has recruited and coached 13 NAIA All-Americans, 29 NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athletes, and 35 All-conference performers.
“I am thrilled to have Bob join our program,” said Henke. “His winning track record and deep knowledge will help us compete in the top DII conference. Bob cares about student athletes’ growth, making him an elite addition. His genuineness is a big strength, and I’m fortunate to work with him and welcome him and his wife to Saint Leo.”
Mayhan comes to Saint Leo from Southeastern University (NAIA) in Lakeland where he earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership and then spent the 2023-24 season as an assistant coach on the Fire’s bench. He spent four years playing collegiately at Chowan University in Murfreesboro, N.C. (2017-21). Mayhan earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a minor in coaching from Chowan in 2021.
“Brandon quickly impressed me with his coaching skills and connections throughout Florida,” said Henke. “His creativity, competitive fire, and attention to detail make him a perfect addition. Brandon’s achievements will be key to our program’s success at all levels.”
Mayhan was a four-year member of the Chowan men’s basketball team where he earned the D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award and was named to the Conference Carolinas Academic All-Conference team. On the court he averaged nearly 17 minutes per game.
“Today marks a chapter of immense gratitude and excitement,” said Mayhan. “I’m blessed to become an assistant coach at Saint Leo University. Thanks to Coach Henke for this opportunity. I’m ready to inspire and achieve success on and off the court.”
In three seasons at Southeastern, the Fire posted a pair of 20+ win seasons to win back-to-back Sun Conference regular season titles and a tournament championship in 2023. The Fire advanced to back-to-back NAIA National tournament appearances, including advancing to the round of 16 in 2023. Across three years, Mayhan coached four all-American selections, seven all-Sun Conference selections, including two first team selections, back-to-back Sun Conference player of the year, and a two-time NAIA player of the week selection.
