Southeastern University Athletics Director Drew Watson has announced the hiring of Hudson Welty as the next men’s basketball coach for the Fire.
 
Welty comes to Lakeland after serving as an assistant coach at three different stops with teams that perennially reach the NAIA National Tournament.
 
“Hudson stood out in a field of very qualified candidates because of who he is as a person, his approach to coaching, and his pedigree,” said Watson. “He is a man of faith who cares very much about doing things with excellence; from recruiting, to investing in his student-athletes, to his focus on the details of the game.”
 
Welty spent the last two seasons as the lead assistant coach at MidAmerica Nazarene University, which won 45 games during his time in Olathe, Kan. He spent the prior season on staff at Arizona Christian when the Firestorm won the Lakeland Bracket of the 2022 NAIA National Tournament and advanced all the way to the national semifinal.
 
“I am grateful and honored to be joining the Southeastern program as the next men’s basketball coach,” said Welty. “Being on campus, you quickly realize that Southeastern is a special place with incredible people. Thank you to SEU President, Dr. Kent Ingle and Athletics Director Drew Watson for allowing me the opportunity to lead this program. My wife, Audra, and I are excited to join the Lakeland community and get things rolling.”
 
Welty also worked as a graduate assistant at Indiana Wesleyan, helping the Wildcats to 59 wins in two seasons and a Round of 16 national tournament appearance. Prior to his time in Marian, he served as an assistant coach at Covenant College in Georgia and was part of the staff when they set program records for winning percentage (.667) and conference wins (16).
 
During his coaching tenure, Welty has recruited all over the United States with emphasis on the Midwest, Southeast, and the West Coast.
 
As a player, Welty was a four-year starter at MidAmerica Nazarene and was a three-year captain which included a trip to the national semifinal. In his 123 games at MNU, Welty was a 55% field goal shooter and was 72% at the free throw line.
 
“Hudson was raised in three of the top NAIA Christian college men’s basketball programs in the country,” added Watson. “I have no doubt that his experience will translate into long term success here in Lakeland. We’re excited to welcome Hudson and Audra to the Fire Family.”
 

https://fire.seu.edu/news/2024/4/15/mens-basketball-welty-named-mens-basketball-head-coach.aspx