Andrew Stepp, who has spent the last four seasons as the head coach at McKendree University, has been announced as the newest addition to the Eastern Kentucky University baseball program. EKU Head Coach Walt Jones shared the news today, confirming Stepp’s role as an assistant coach with responsibilities for hitters, base running, and coaching the outfielders.
Coach Jones’ Excitement
“I’m excited for the addition of Andrew Stepp to our staff,” Jones said. “Andrew is an outstanding person who will immediately build connections with our current players and on the recruiting trail with future Colonels. His coaching experience will be an asset to our program.”
Stepp’s Coaching Background
Stepp brings a wealth of experience to EKU. From 2019 to 2023, he led McKendree University’s varsity and junior varsity baseball programs. In 2022, he guided the Bearcats to their third-most wins in the NCAA Division II era, achieving a 15-13 record in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) — the first winning conference record in McKendree’s D-II history.
Under his leadership, the Bearcats produced notable players like All-Midwest Region selections Katom Parnell and Joey Kossina in 2023. The 2022 season saw McKendree set a new program record for home runs, with Joseph Copeland and Corey Price earning all-region honors.
Academic Excellence
Stepp’s teams excelled academically, maintaining a GPA above 3.0 throughout his tenure. The program boasted 168 Academic All-GLVC honorees, reflecting his commitment to student-athlete success both on and off the field.
Previous Roles
Before his head coaching role, Stepp served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at McKendree in 2019. In 2018, he was an assistant coach at Murray State University. His experience also includes a stint as the director of operations and player development at Ohio University in 2017, where he contributed to a Mid-American Conference Tournament championship and an appearance in the NCAA Lexington Regional.
Stepp’s early coaching career includes a year as a physical education teacher and head baseball coach at Walnut Grove High School in Missouri during the 2016-17 academic year.
Educational Background and Playing Career
Stepp earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Western Kentucky University in 2016. A native of Nixa, Missouri, he played two seasons at WKU after beginning his collegiate playing career at Southwest Baptist University.
Staff Adjustments
The addition of Stepp to the EKU coaching staff comes alongside the move of assistant coach Bryant Bowen to the position of director of player development. In his new role, Bowen will maintain and expand his on-field coaching responsibilities, continuing to coach catchers and collaborate closely with the pitching coach while overseeing hitting development.
With Stepp’s arrival and Bowen’s new role, the EKU baseball program is set to build on its foundation and strive for continued success.
