Gene Steinmeyer, the second winningest women’s basketball coach in Northwest Missouri State history, announced his retirement today after 13 seasons at the head of the Bearcat bench.
“The players and coaches have made my stay at Northwest the best of my career,” Steinmeyer said, who will turn 62 in March. “I wish I could have brought more consistent success to women’s basketball. I pledge to help the new coach in any way possible. I want the women’s basketball program to reach new heights.”
Steinmeyer, found plenty of success at the most important times during his 13 seasons. He retires with 189 wins at Northwest, the second most behind Wayne Winstead’s 311.
“Gene is a terrific coach and better person,” Northwest Director of Athletics Wren Baker said. “His passion and dedication has left an indelible mark on Northwest athletics and Bearcat women’s basketball.
“The ride he and his team took us in 2011 is one we will always remember. We will miss having Gene on the sidelines but know he will always be a part of the Bearcat family. We wish him all the best in his retirement”
The two-time MIAA Coach of the Year closes out his career at Northwest just one year removed from one of the most successful seasons in Bearcat women’s basketball history.
“I hate to start naming people for fear of offending those I leave out. However, everyone involved with Northwest should be excited about Wren Baker and the people he has brought on board,” Steinmeyer said. “Athletics at Northwest will prosper for years to come.”
Steinmeyer, who started his tenure at Northwest Missouri in 2000, guided the Bearcats to three MIAA Tournament Championships (2004, 2008 and 2011) and one MIAA regular season title in 2011. He helped lead Northwest to the postseason in nine of his 13 seasons as the Bearcats head coach.
“It’s me that should thank Northwest, not Northwest thanking me,” Steinmeyer said. “Maryville and the Northwest community has been a great atmosphere to spend my final 13 years of coaching. My son, Sam, was born in Maryville and has been raised a Bearcat.”
During his time at Northwest, Steinmeyer guided the Bearcats to four NCAA Regional Tournaments (2004, 2007-2008, and 2011) and one Final Four appearance (2011). After a 4-22 record in his first season Northwest went on to finish with a .500 record or better in six seasons including a pair of 20-win seasons.
Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski praised Steinmeyer’s success on and off the court during his time at the helm of the Bearcats.
“Coach Steinmeyer has given great service to Northwest. His MIAA regular season and tournament titles and amazing run to the Final Four in 2011 are only part of his Bearcat contribution,” Jasinski said.
“He has been a cheerleader for the institution and a supporter of our other coaches. He has advocated what the Northwest experience is all about and we wish him the very best in retirement.”
Steinmeyer received Jasinski’s praise and offered excitement for the future of Northwest.
“Dr. Jasinski is a hands-on president that will make sure Northwest is at the front of the MIAA in all areas including athletics. I am sorry I only had a chance to work two years for Dr. Jasinski.”
Under Steinmeyer Northwest had one MIAA MVP, Gabby Curtis, in 2011, and three All-America, Curtis and Kyla Roehrig both during the 2011 season and Sarah Vollertson in 2004.
Twenty Bearcats have earned all-MIAA honors under Steinmeyer and 33 All-MIAA Academic Team members. A pair of Bearcats has also been honored as CoSIDA Academic All-District athletes as April Miller in 2008 and Laura Friederich earned the academic accolades during the 2006 campaign.
For his career, Steinmeyer has recorded 549 victories at the collegiate level.
Steinmeyer finished by adding a special thank you.
“Lori Hopkins, my assistant for eight years and now my boss as senior women’s administrator, has accomplished so much behind the scenes. Lori is directly responsible for the development of Gabby Curtis.”
“I will never coach again, but I plan to live in Maryville. My family tells me I must keep working. I can’t imagine a better place for a permanent home and to raise my son. I have employment plans in Maryville, but coaching at Northwest will never be far from my heart.”
Before becoming the Bearcats’ head coach, Steinmeyer began his college coaching career at Doane College (Neb.) in 1984 where he completed 15 successful seasons compiling a 360-141 record. During his time there he took the Tigers to seven NAIA National Tournaments and holds a 13-7 postseason record.
In each of his last five seasons, Steinmeyer took Doane to the national tournament, winning at least 25 games in each season with two 30-plus win seasons in 1995 and 1996.
Prior to his time at Doane, Steinmeyer claimed a Nebraska Class C State Championship at Wilber-Clatonia High School. He also earned two conference championships and a pair of district titles at the high school level.
— NWMSU Sports Information —
The Northwest Missouri State men’s and women’s track and field teams has qualified one individual each, Will Haer and Lekiesha McKnight, for this year’s 2012 NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field National Championships. The meet will take place on March 9-10 in Mankato, Minn.
