From local high school courts to MIAA: Luke Scheidecker returns to St. Joseph

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) – Last Friday, Missouri Western State University introduced its seventh head men’s basketball coach, Brooks McKowen, in the Hall of Fame Room. Fast forward to just a week later, and the room was filled once again, this time to introduce the university’s 11th head women’s basketball coach, Luke Scheidecker.

For Scheidecker, the moment felt full circle. A native of Smithville, Missouri, he had the opportunity to return to his roots. Director of Athletics Andy Carter was intrigued by his success, even before he needed to make a call to fill a coaching vacancy. Once there was an opening, Carter picked up the phone instantly, making Scheidecker his first call. 

The decision to bring him to St. Joseph came swiftly, but it wasn’t rushed. Both sides agreed to wait until Scheidecker and his former team, Wabash Valley College, completed its run in the NJCAA Tournament. 

“That first phone call was really brief, on a Thursday night, I believe, and we decided that we would wait and have another conversation the next morning,” Carter said. “That one wasn’t very long at all, but it was like we both really quickly knew where we wanted to go with this relationship.”

There was a lot to be excited about for both sides, as Scheidecker’s name has become synonymous with success in the basketball world. He’s amassed a career record of 231-22 (.913 winning percentage), was the 2024 WBCA Two-Year National Coach of the Year, has six NJCAA Region 24 Coach of the Year awards, and six Midwest District Coach of the Year honors. He's also been named the Illinois Basketball Coaches' Association College Coach of the Year five times.

The other thing to be excited for is the return to the area, as his wife Tori Scheidecker was a graduate assistant coach under former Western women’s basketball coach Candi Whitaker. As a high school player, Scheidecker recalled the challenges of facing local teams like Benton and Lafayette. 

“Coming up the cool crest, getting beat by Benton, ending my career versus Lafayette, like it is a full circle moment,” Scheidecker said. “Johnny Coy putting 30-something points on us when I was at Smithville.”

While the landscape has changed, one thing remains constant, and that’s the city’s passionate support for women’s basketball. Over the years, Missouri Western and the city of St. Joseph have built a rich tradition, hosting the Bill Snyder Classic and regional tournaments that have earned the community a reputation as a hub for women’s sports. 

Scheidecker is eager to tap into this momentum, one key factor in his decision to return.

“Diving into a community in Saint Joseph that loves women’s basketball is huge,” Scheidecker said. “You look at what they’ve done here, hosting the Central Region championships and the Bill Snyder Classic; those are things that are unique here, that’s not everywhere.”

Before joining Wabash Valley College, Scheidecker showcased his ability to turn around struggling programs. At Shawnee Community College in Ullin, Illinois, he inherited a program that had won only three games in three years. 

Located in a town of just 350 people, without on-campus housing or even a fast-food restaurant, the challenges were immense. Yet, in his first season, Scheidecker led Shawnee to a 30-3 record, marking one of the most remarkable turnarounds.

“If we’re not invested and show love to them, they’re not going to run through a brick wall for us,” Scheidecker said. “That’s where it starts, with being invested in them and showing them that we care about them, on and off the floor.”

His fast-paced style of play has also become a hallmark of his success. Over the past three seasons, his teams have averaged 96, 104, and 101 points per game, a system that stands out in the MIAA, where many teams don’t operate with the same tempo. 

“You have to get the players you want to play at that pace or who are tough enough to play at that pace,” Scheidecker said. “It’s hard to play against if you have to condition all year for it. You have to be physically and mentally tough enough to do it.”

Scheidecker’s approach to the game has led to unparalleled success. He is more than just a coach; he’s a mentor, and his track record proves it.