The Cleveland State women's basketball program has just upped its game, securing seasoned veteran Steve Lanpher as their new assistant coach for what promises to be a riveting 2025-26 season, a move that speaks to their commitment to pushing the envelope on the court.
Lanpher, whose resume feels like a well-traveled road map through American collegiate basketball, comes to Cleveland State with an impressive three decades of coaching know-how, including a 23-year stint helming teams and a noteworthy 13 years at the Division I level, his latest role was leading the Randolph College Wildcats where he snagged a record for their most wins in a single-season, clocking in at 19 victories during the 2022-23 stretch, according to Cleveland State University's official announcement.
Head coach Chris Kielsmeier couldn't contain his excitement, stating via Cleveland State University, "We are thrilled to welcome Steve to our staff, his experience at a variety of levels will be a great addition to our program," and emphasizing that Lanpher's deep understanding of the game positions him to dive into the team's summer workouts seamlessly.
Before his successful tenure at Randolph College, Lanpher had been at the helm of NJIT's women's basketball team, where his leadership not only led them to their most wins in Division I but also clinched a Great West Conference Championship, along with prior stints as associate head coach at UMass and Vermont where his teams took home America East Tournament Championships, his resume speaks not just to experience, but to a pattern of uplifting programs to their peak performances.
Lanpher's coaching career, dotted with stops at The Combine Academy, Lamar, Pratt Community College, and Dean College, is also marked by his ability to spot and nurture talent, having recruited over thirty all-league players and coaching seven major award winners, accolades that have earned him multiple coach of the year honors and undoubtedly will enrich the fabric of Cleveland State's basketball program in the seasons to come.
