As an award-winning Head College Women’s Basketball Coach and influential NCAA and WBCA member, Stephanie Stevens exemplifies leadership that transcends the basketball court. Her profound belief in the power of communication and her desire to advance female leadership in athletics are integral to her approach, focusing on developing not just skilled athletes but fully empowered individuals.

During her 12-year tenure at Gallaudet, Stevens has transformed the women’s basketball program into a powerhouse, leading her teams to multiple United East Tournament championships and securing several postseason appearances. Beyond her coaching achievements, she serves as the Health & Wellness Athletics Liaison, nurturing well-rounded student-athletes who excel in both personal and professional realms.

Stevens is widely recognized, with nominations for the NCAA Division III LGBTQ Athletics Coach of the Year Recongition Award and multiple Conference Coach of the Year accolades. Her athletes’ successes, including numerous All-Conference Team selections and an NCAA Woman of the Year nominee, attest to her exceptional talent development skills.

Integral to Stevens’ coaching philosophy is her commitment to fostering effective communication in a predominantly Deaf environment, emphasizing mutual understanding and respect in every interaction. Her empathetic and understanding approach enhances team dynamics and prepares her athletes for diverse life challenges beyond collegiate sports.

As an active member of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association and a contributor to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Rules Committee, Stevens advocates for inclusivity and fairness in sports policies. Her early career roles at the University of Maryland and various assistant coaching positions provided a solid foundation for her current leadership and athlete development achievements.

Inspired by relationships she has cultivated along her life journey, Stevens brings a deeply personal touch to her professional endeavors. Her education from the University of Cincinnati, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education specializing in Sign Language Interpreting and Deaf Studies, further enriches her ability to connect effectively with others.Stevens’ career is a testament to her expertise in creating environments that foster integrity, transparency, and personal growth. As she continues to lead with conviction and innovate within and beyond the court, she inspires a broader dialogue on the power of inclusive leadership in sports and education.

Recently honored with an induction into her high school Hall of Fame, with the ceremony set for this fall, Stevens continues to be recognized for her enduring impact and exceptional contributions to the world of athletics.