The Lancaster Bible College Athletic Department announced the hiring of Rachel Steinbarger as the 24th women’s basketball head coach in program history. Steinbarger comes to Lancaster after serving as an assistant coach at Franklin College (Ind.) the past two seasons.
During Steinbarger’s two seasons at Franklin, she helped the Grizzlies to 35 victories, including a second-place finish in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference in 2012-13 when the team regionally ranked for part of the season.
Prior to her coaching stint with the Grizzlies, Steinbarger starred at Indiana Wesleyan (NAIA) as she started all four seasons and guided the Wildcats to three conference tournament championships. Indiana Wesleyan advanced to the NAIA Sweet 16 during her freshman season, the NAIA Final Four during her sophomore campaign and to the NAIA Elite 8 during her junior and senior seasons. Over her four seasons in Marion, Ind., Steinbarger helped the Wildcats to an overall record of 115-26.
During her senior season at the NAIA Tournament, Steinbarger was awarded the Champions of Character Award which according to the NAIA website goes to a student-athlete who has, "…Displayed exemplary character and sportsmanship on the field, on campus, and in the community that exemplify the core values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship and Servant Leadership."
Steinbarger credits her coach at Indiana Wesleyan, Steve Brooks, as well as her time at Franklin as being the driving force that has prepared her for this post and Lancaster Bible Director of Athletics Peter Beers agrees.
"From a program perspective, Rachel had a great coach-player relationship," Beers said. "She saw how a program could play at a high level and yet the team be challenged to be ladies of purpose and purity at the same time. Rachel will forever be grateful for her experience at Indiana Wesleyan and I look forward to seeing this investment replicated into our program."
Steinbarger said she loves to coach because of she gets to invest in student-athlete’s lives as well as see the outcomes of that investment.
"I plan on bringing energy and enthusiasm to the program, as well as positivity and hard work," Steinbarger said.
Steinbarger said despite her age, she feels prepared to lead a program and is very excited for the opportunity.
"I can’t believe my dream of being a head coach has come true at such a young age, but at the same time, I am ready lead and want the ladies on the team to fully invest in this program," Steinbarger said. "We get to experience life together during their time here and I am excited to not only teach the game of basketball, but experience the ups and downs of being a student-athlete with the team as well."
Steinbarger will begin working as the full-time women’s basketball head coach early in July as she prepares the Chargers to defend their North Eastern Athletic Conference Regular Season title. Beers said he is excited about the long term potential Steinbarger can bring to the program.
"Having a coach who can invest her time and energy into making this program premier is an exciting thought," Beers said. "We look forward to growing with Rachel in this process."
Lancaster Bible finished 23-7 last season as they won the NEAC Regular Season Championship and appeared in the NEAC Final for the second straight season. The squad then earned a fifth place finish at the NCCAA National Tournament in Joplin, Mo. Seniors Brooklyn Wilson and Emily Martz have graduated, but Aubrey Folger (NEAC 1st Team), Katy Stover (NEAC 1st Team), Shanice Smith (NEAC 3rd Team), Sarah Heilenman, Meagan Williams and Christy Lorah will all return for the Chargers.
Steinbarger and the Chargers will open the 2014-15 season on Saturday, November 15 at 1 p.m. when Lancaster Bible hosts Baptist Bible.
Stay with HoopDirt for the latest college basketball coaching news and rumors.
