News conference held to announce Sharpe as UAH women's coach:
GDW Analysis:
HUNTSVILLE: Allen Sharpe was introduced as the new women's basketball coach at the University of Alabama Huntsville Thursday during a news conference.
The Division II school hired Sharpe from Wallace State Community College April 12.
Sharpe led the Lady Lions to a 25 & 6 record in 2023/24, 2nd in the Alabama Community College Conference.
Sharpe thanked UAH president Chuck Carr and athletic director Cade Smith for this opportunity to move back into coaching at a 4 year program. Sharpe expressed pride for being given the chance to direct the women's team at Wallace State in honoring President Vicki Karolewics.
Sharpe will be assisted by Mary Elizabeth Laatsch. Laatsch was an assistant with Andrea Lemmons in 2023/24.
GDW saw Laatsch last Sunday on an assignment at the Southern Starz Shootout at Cullman High School Bearcat Arena.
Two days afterward, Good Hope junior Ava McSwain committed to UAH.
UAH already signed Good Hope senior Ivey Maddox back in November. Maddox, just named the state 4A player of the year, will remain committed to UAH following the coaching change.
Update on Wallace State coaching search:
HANCEVILLE: A week after Sharpe stepped down at Wallace State, President Vicki Karolewics has reported through her Facebook page, the school is searching to find a head coach for the Lady Lions and Lions. Sharpe coached both teams in 2023/24 with the Lions winning the conference, going 26 & 9 and the Lady Lions 2nd in the league at 25 & 6. They combined for 51 wins out of 66 games.
No timetable has been set by Wallace State in the quest to replace Sharpe.
Sharpe has led Wallace State for 9 seasons in two stints, with the Lions compiling 173 victories against 51 losses.
With the Lady Lions' good season that just got completed, Sharpe has watched Wallace State hoops go 198-57 in displaying hard work and dedication to keep the Hanceville based school to a high level in winning basketball.
Photo of Wallace State Lions' coach Allen Sharpe and assistant coach Cory Cooperwood during a game in the 2023 season from Tom Drake Coliseum.
Photo courtesy of WSCC Media Relations.
