Parker Stewart - A New Direction

“The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

-Proverbs 18:10

 

Indiana starting guard Parker Stewart never planned on playing for the Hoosiers. Attending Pitt out of high school, Stewart quickly became a star and one of the best young players in the ACC. Stewart would transfer to UT Martin where he would continue to shine, this time under the helm of head coach Anthony Stewart, Parker’s dad. Things quickly changed for Parker when Anthony died suddenly in 2020, leaving Parker without a coach and more importantly, without a dad. As he considered his next steps, Stewart relied hard on his faith and trusting God was in control.

From the town of Union City, Tennessee, Parker Stewart had the game of basketball in his blood. Given his dad’s history around the game, Parker was always on the court while growing up. As he was becoming a star for every team he was a part of, he was also focused on making sure he was a man of character and integrity, too. Parker says faith was introduced to him from a young age, and he has always tried to use his gifts as an opportunity to give back.

“Faith has always been a part of my life I would say. It didn’t hit me until I was around people whose faith is so strong, that I needed to work on my faith and put it above all.”

Out of high school, Stewart was led to Pittsburgh where he ranked 2nd in the ACC in 3 point percentage during his freshman year. After transferring to UT Martin and putting up big numbers there, too, Stewart seemed to be on the path he had always hoped for. While on the court, Stewart says his faith plays a guiding role in his success.

“My faith influences my basketball career a lot because I understand that God makes all of this possible. So I always remember to thank God and pray after a good game and a bad game, because I know how blessed I am.”

While Stewart was continuing to grow, shockwaves were sent through him and his family as they learned about the passing of Anthony, Parker’s father.

Parker says he submitted to prayer, hoping God would lead him to where he should be next. He decided to leave UT Martin and enter the transfer portal. God soon answered his prayers, leading him to a big name basketball school in Bloomington.

“I prayed about the decision and chose Indiana and I wouldn’t change that. My relationship with assistant coach Kenya Hunter played a big role in my decision. It’s been a blessing to play at a program that people care so much about.”

Since joining the Hoosiers, Stewart has been a starter in the backcourt as he has led his team to a strong 8-2 start to the season. While he has loved getting the chance to play in the Big Ten and the experiences that have accompanied that, the experiences off the court have been just as foundational.

Parker says that since coming to Indiana, the relationships he has built have meant everything. Especially his relationship with a certain assistant coach named Clif Marshall.

“I’ve been blessed to be around people who are helping me grow my faith like my strength coach Clif Marshall. He is a great man, about the right things, and I’m happy to have met him. I attend church with him on Sundays when we don’t have practice.”

It has been moments like these that have reminded Parker of why he does it in the first place. Although still recovering from the sudden loss of his father, he knows his dad is looking down at the things Parker is accomplishing, and Parker just hopes he can make him proud.

Entering the season with Indiana, Stewart chose to wear the number 45, the same number his dad wore in college. Every time he steps on the court, Stewart says he hopes to honor him and inspire otters that are watching him as well. As he has learned to trust everything that happens, he hopes to continue to lead Indiana to a strong season and show others that they can achieve anything if they work hard and believe that they can accomplish anything.