Staff Reports
GADSDEN – After more than two decades of leadership, mentorship and success on the court, Buster Stewart, the Gadsden State Community College men’s tennis head coach is retiring.
“The decision to retire wasn’t easy because coaching has been such a big part of my life,” he said. “But after 21 incredible years, I feel like it’s the right time. I’m proud of what we’ve built here, but I’m excited for the program to start a new chapter.”
Stewart’s relationship with Gadsden State spans more than five decades, beginning when he enrolled fresh out of high school in 1971. Alongside his doubles partner, Stewart received the first-ever tennis scholarship awarded by the college. He attended Gadsden State as a student-athlete for two years, and he met his future wife, Paula, who was also a Gadsden State student.
After earning an associate degree in business administration, he transferred to Shorter College in Rome, Ga., where he continued his athletic and academic career and earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration in 1975. In 1977, Stewart returned to Gadsden State to pursue engineering classes, which he completed in 1980.
Stewart’s coaching career began in 2004, marking the start of a new era for Gadsden State tennis. He and Paula, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August, worked together to make an immediate impact at the college. In its first season, the 2004-2005 team, which included their son, Trey, finished in the Top 20 nationally, making its first national tournament since 1980.
The program continued to flourish, and the Cardinals claimed back-to-back conference championships in 2010 and 2011. The Stewarts also founded the annual Alumni Tournament, held every October and draws former players from across the region.
“We love the relationships we have with our players and their families,” he said. “Seeing these guys grow up and bring their wives and children to the tournament is an absolute privilege that I don’t take for granted.”
Throughout his tenure, Stewart emphasized character, perseverance and life lessons beyond tennis.
“We always tell them to play hard, prepare, play fair and never give up,” he said. “I hope they take that with them through life.”
Stewart had valuable, dedicated assistant coaches, he said, including Paula, their sons Trey and Taylor, Andre Bentley and Dan Berry. He said these dedicated assistants helped shape the program and the young men who’ve come through it.
“We have former players who are doctors, nurses, accountants, businessmen, coaches, teachers, pilots, project managers – you name it,” he said. “Some are working at Delta, FedEx, Honda and Google. We are very proud of these men.”
As he reflects on his coaching career, Stewart said it has been just as much a learning experience for him.
“Coaching has taught me to treat people fairly and with respect,” he said. “And, I try very hard to help the young people to not have any regrets when they leave Gadsden State.”
While he’ll miss the daily rhythm of practice and time spent with his players, Stewart is looking forward to his next chapter.
“I’ll miss the practices and the players most of all,” he said. “That’s where the heart of coaching lives – in the everyday effort, the small wins, the growth. Those are the moments I will always cherish.”
As advice to his successor, Stewart offered a single strategy.
“Recruit, recruit, recruit,” he said. “The game has changed. Recruiting is just as important, if not more important, than coaching the game.”
In retirement, Stewart plans to remain an active Cardinal.
“I plan to help more at church, spend time with my grandchildren and go fishing and golfing,” he said. “Paula and I are Cardinals forever. We will always love Gadsden State.”
