05/20/2026
Join us in congratulating Coach Steve McElroy on being recognized as the NCSAA National Coach of the Year.
We are grateful to have Coach Steve in our gym and on our sidelines positively leading and impacting student-athletes for God's Glory!
Washtenaw Christian Academy
It is with great pleasure that NCSAA announces that Steve McElroy (Washtenaw Christian, MI) has been selected as the 2025-26 NCSAA Girls’ Varsity Basketball National Coach of the Year. ⭐️🏀
McElroy has coached at Washtenaw Christian for 6 years, with 20+ years of experience in basketball coaching overall. He led this year’s girls’ team to an outstanding 29-1 record, ending the year with their 5th SMAC Conference Championship in six years, their fourth MCSAA State Championship win in a row, and a NCSAA Division 3 title. He also serves by speaking at the school’s chapel multiple times each year, and has shown a deep commitment to the community around him, evidenced by their words about his leadership and love.
As Coach McElroy has a deep impact on the people around him, Washtenaw Christian’s athletic department has this to say about him: “Coach McElroy is an outstanding and knowledgeable coach.
His ability to challenge the players as individuals and collectively as a team has led to incredible skill growth…Coach McElroy wants players to reflect the image of Christ in all areas of life, including on the basketball court. To that end, he repeatedly tells the girls that they are more than athletes. They are not defined by their athleticism or their wins or losses, but rather, they are defined by their worth in Christ…The team has achieved incredible results under his leadership, and the girls love Coach McElroy for the relationships he builds.”
“He was my favorite coach, and maybe I’m a little biased because he is my dad. He would always say playing is fun but winning is funner. At the end of the day he cared way more about each individual girl on his teams than the results of any game. I will never forget when I was struggling during my first year of playing college basketball, trying to figure out if it was something I was still wanting to pursue. He looked at me and told me ‘Emma, you are so much more than a basketball player’. I will never forget that moment. That’s the kind of coach he is - championships will be remembered, but he impacted his players in so many more meaningful ways than just strictly basketball and that’s what his players will carry forever. I love you dad and I am so proud of you!” – Emma McElroy, Daughter and Player
“Coach McElroy is an amazing coach who truly cares about every single player! He invests in each of our lives because he genuinely cares. He brings such a fun and positive energy to every practice and game making our team stronger both on and off the court. But what makes him even more special is that he cares about more than just basketball. He encourages us to grow in our faith and reminds us to do everything for the glory of God in every circumstance. He inspires us not only to become better athletes but also better Christian leaders.” – Player, Lizzy Knickelbein
“Coach McElroy has been such an awesome and encouraging coach! I have been so grateful for his excellent insight on the game of basketball but the main thing I love about Coach McElroy is that he says we are more than just basketball players we are called to be set apart and to always have good sportsmanship and good attitudes I can't wait for our next season with him as our coach, influencing us to do all to the glory if God!” – Player, Abby Knickelbein
“I’m sad more people don’t get to have Coach McElroy as their coach. He’s an amazing coach and person, and shows Christ’s love in all he does. He cares about us as individuals and as a team. He even goes the extra mile to make sure we’re well nourished after an early morning practice, and always reminds us that no matter what we’re doing, we do all to the glory of God!” – Player, Meg Norris
“You are such an amazing coach. I’m so grateful God gave me you as a basketball coach. I’m so thankful for the endless hours you spent pouring into my basketball and spiritual life. You have taught me that we play for God and we do all things for Him. Also, I’ve learned if we’re gonna do something right do it right the first time and every time. I will cherish these memories for a lifetime.” – Player, Janie Osness
“Coach McElroy pushed our team to its full potential. I appreciate how his goal was to win but his focus for us as a team was to ‘Do all to the glory of God’. He always reminded us that it isn’t how much skill you have that defines you but rather who you are in Christ. Thank you coach!” – Player, Elaina Adams
"We appreciate Coach McElroy for giving our son and daughter the privilege to learn valuable life lessons that athletics teach. He has taken the time not only to develop skills and discipline in young people, but more importantly to disciple them and be a Christian role model for them. We are thankful for the time they have had with him!" – Parent of Player, Celeste Adams
NCSAA considers the National Coach of the Year awards to be the highest honor that we bestow each year. As a national organization of more than 550 member schools, we select only one National Coach of the Year in girls’ basketball each year, so our selection of Steve is a recognition of his deep commitment to Christ-centered athletics and impacting the lives of the kids that he coaches.
Congratulations and thank you, Steve, for a job well-done and the impact that you have had upon your community!
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, not for men...It is the Lord Christ you are serving." (Colossians 3:23-24)
