Steven Lanpher was officially named the 10th head coach in Albright College women's basketball program history on Tuesday, September 15, as announced by the College's Athletic Department and Athletic Director Rick Ferry. Lanpher brings decades of coaching experience to Albright, most recently serving on the staff at Division I Cleveland State University.
Lanpher will begin his first season at the helm this November following the departure of Alyssa Parsons earlier this year. During his lone season at Cleveland State, Lanpher coordinated recruiting efforts, monitored the academic progress of student-athletes, and assisted with the development and implementation of daily practice plans. The Vikings finished the season with a 26-10 overall record and earned eighth place in the WNIT.
Lanpher began his head coaching career in 2002 as the women's basketball coach at Norwich University. During his tenure, he compiled a 92-28 record, captured a conference championship, and led the program to an NCAA Tournament appearance. Under his leadership, Norwich also reached the No. 1 ranking in the nation in scoring defense. Lanpher was also recognized as the conference's Coach of the Year.
Following his success at Norwich, Lanpher transitioned to Division I women's basketball, joining the University of Vermont as an associate head coach. During his four seasons with the Catamounts, he helped lead the program to two America East championships and NCAA Tournament appearances while coordinating recruiting efforts. Vermont posted a 92-40 overall record during his tenure.
Lanpher's next stop was the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he spent two seasons as the women's basketball associate head coach.
In 2012, Lanpher was named head women's basketball coach at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), where he led the Highlanders for five seasons. During his tenure, he guided the program to its first winning season and conference tournament championship in its Division I history.
Lanpher later returned to Division III as the head women's basketball coach at Randolph College. Over six seasons with the Wildcats, he led the program to five consecutive conference tournament appearances while establishing a program record with 19 wins in a season. He also remains the only coach in program history to finish with a winning record.
Lanpher is a graduate of the College of St. Joseph, where he earned a Master of Education. He has also been a member of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association since 2001.
