Coach Culler Retires

Lori Culler steps down as coach but will continue as HU’s athletic director

Story by Joanne Green ’93, ’10

After spending her freshman year at a public university in her home state of Pennsylvania, Lori Culler quickly realized the secular scene wasn’t for her. As a United Brethren preacher’s kid, it made sense that she visit Huntington College, and by the end of her visit, Lori knew Huntington was home.

She came the following fall and has never left. After nearly 40 years, she still calls Huntington home.

Culler finished out her collegiate career donning Forester green as a two-sport student-athlete. She then took to the sidelines as an assistant before being named the head coach in 1986 at the ripe age of 23. Her success and impact on the program were immediate and lasting. And she’s got the resume to prove it.

After 36 years leading the Forester women’s basketball program, Culler announced her retirement from coaching at the conclusion of the 2021-2022 season. She will remain the University’s athletic director.

“Coach Culler has served the Huntington University Foresters for more than three decades,” said President Sherilyn Emberton. “She has been part of championship efforts both as a player and coach for HU. We are deeply grateful for the leadership and Christian commitment she has made to her players and all our Huntington University athletes and coaches over the years.”

“Serving as AD and coach has been both rewarding and challenging as our programs have grown and as we have dealt with this ‘season of COVID,’” said Culler. “It’s become clear that it’s time for me to focus my efforts.

“I’m excited to give a new coach an opportunity to continue moving the women’s basketball program forward.”

During her playing career as a Forester from 1982-1985, Culler scored 1,307 points and was the third women’s player to join Huntington’s 1,000 Point Club. She was a member of the 1984 NCCAA national championship basketball team and received NAIA Academic All-American and Honorable Mention All-American honors. Culler is a 1986 graduate of Huntington College and holds a Master of Science degree in athletic administration from Ball State University.

“I’m thankful for those who took a chance on a 23-year-old and gave me the opportunity to pursue several of my passions at a university where impacting the world for Christ was, and still is, at the heart of its mission,” said Culler.

“What a tremendous blessing it has been to be able to build relationships, teach and mentor more than 150 young women throughout my coaching career. They have added so much JOY to my life.”

The feeling is mutual. Well done, Coach Culler, well done!