Cheers echoed outside of Diddle Arena’s Gate two, as WKU Volleyball Head Coach Travis Hudson’s statue was revealed by two current players.
“What an amazing day, what a surreal moment. It meant so much more to me to see everyone out here then it did to look to my left and see that statue,” Hudson said.
After the Hilltoppers swept the Delaware Blue Hens on Saturday Nov. 8, seniors Callie Bauer and Callahan Wiegandt unveiled Hudson’s statue. Hudson received the distinguished honor, after 31 seasons, 800 plus wins, 34 conference championships and 17 NCAA tournament appearances.
“So often in athletics, it’s judged by winning and losing. But I feel like days like today only happen if there is a bigger picture,” Hudson said.
Hudson was inducted into the WKU Athletics Hall of Fame last season because of his dedication to the program. Athletic Director Todd Stewart said the Hall of Fame was for the “greatest” and the statue goes beyond that.
“We go beyond even the very great distinction, today Travis joins the legendary Ed Diddle as the second person in WKU athletics history to have a statue in his honor,” Athletic Director Todd Stewart said.
During his speech Hudson said he wanted his statue to not just be about games he has won or lost, but about the sacrifice and dedication to the campus.
Hudson said it was important to have the statue outside because he wanted it to be seen by every student and staff that walks the WKU campus.
“I hope they know, no story is too big to accomplish on this Hill,” Hudson said.
