New Prairie Schools is excited to announce the hiring of Drew Lutz as the next Varsity
Boys Basketball Coach of the New Prairie Cougars. Coach Lutz has been an assistant
coach at the New College of Florida (NAIA) where he helped lead the team to
immediate improvement, doubling team wins from the previous season. Coach Lutz is
a 2019 graduate of Penn High School, where he amassed one of the most impactful
high school careers in recent northern Indiana basketball. His standout high school
career led to a division one scholarship at Incarnate Word University in San Antonio,
Texas. Coach Lutz became a three year starter at Incarnate Word, including earning
Team Captain status as just a sophomore. Coach Lutz finished his career at Bethel
University closer to home, where he was a two-time NAIA All-American and also served
as Team Captain.
Coach Lutz brings considerable skills and attributes NPUSC was looking for in the next
leader for the basketball program. First, Coach Lutz is a natural leader with a vision to
impact NPHS Basketball K-12. Next, Coach Lutz has already shown an ability to
organize, motivate, and lead. Finally, he is also passionate about the total development
of young people and making a positive impact that goes beyond basketball.
Coach Lutz stated about the opportunity to coach at New Prairie, “I am very grateful for
the opportunity to be the Head Basketball Coach at New Prairie. Being a kid from
Indiana this is special. It has been a dream of mine to be a Head Basketball Coach
especially in the basketball state. I am blessed to have had support from my amazing
wife with making this decision. I am very thankful for the immediate support I have felt
by everyone at New Prairie and I am excited to get to work. “
Paul White, NPUSC Superintendent, stated about the hiring of Coach Lutz, “New Prairie
is fortunate to get a young coach with the background of Coach Lutz. He was an
excellent player and leader and was a “coach on the floor” for every team he played for.
It is apparent talking to Coach Lutz that his strategic understanding of the game is very
advanced and beyond what is typical for a newer coach. I have every confidence he
will lead NPHS basketball in a positive way and have a strong positive impact on our
program and the school.”
Coach Lutz was unanimously approved by the NPUSC School Board of Trustees at
their April 28th school board meeting.
