Bio

Steve Schafer begins his third season as the head men’s basketball coach for Fontbonne University. Schafer has 13 years of coaching experience and has coached or recruited at least twelve players that have received All-Conference recognition.

Schafer came to Fontbonne after serving as the assistant men’s basketball coach and athletic recruiting coordinator at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. While at Benedictine, Schafer helped the Eagles to a NAC conference championship title and a trip to the NCAA Division III National tournament. The Eagles finished the 2010-2011 season 21-8 overall and 13-3 in conference. In his first season on staff at Benedictine the Eagles went 14-11.

Before his time on staff at Benedictine, Schafer served as the top assistant for five seasons at North Park University in Chicago, Illinois from 2004-2009. At North Park, Schafer helped to rebuild a once struggling program. The Vikings saw their record improve from just 4 wins in 2004-2005 to winning 14 games three years later in 2007-2008. The 14-11 record during the 07-08 season was the best record North Park basketball had experienced in their previous16 seasons.

Schafer coached for three seasons at Wayne State College in Nebraska. He served as a graduate assistant men’s basketball coach from 2001-2003 and then moved into a full time roll the following year  as the assistant men’s basketball coach / sports information director during the 2003-2004 school year.  In each of his three seasons on staff at Wayne, the Wildcats improved upon the overall record each year. He holds a master’s degree in sports management from Wayne State.

Schafer attended Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois where he was a member of the basketball program for three years. He played from 1997-2000, but was limited by a leg injury. In the 2000-2001 season, he served as the student assistant for Augustana, helping them to a 17-8 record. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in speech communications.

Schafer is originally from Batavia, IL where he graduated from Batavia High School. He was a three-year varsity performer and helped his team to a 68-18 record. He was twice named first team all-conference and earned several all-area honors as well. He was also a McDonald’s All-American nominee.

In addition to being the head men’s basketball coach, Schafer also serves as the head women’s golf coach at Fontbonne.