Bio

Steven L. Napper was hired as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Missouri Valley College on July 12, 2025, by head coach Jim Boone. Coach Napper brings a wealth of experience both as a successful coach and player. He previously played for Coach Boone at Robert Morris University, which competed in NCAA Division I as part of the Northeast Conference.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to be here in Marshall and at Missouri Valley College,” said Coach Napper. “Opportunities like this don’t happen by chance; they come from people believing in you and in what you can contribute to a program. I am truly fortunate to have played for one of the greats in college basketball, Jim Boone, and now to have the chance to learn coaching from him is a blessing. My goal is to give everything I have to help restore MOVAL as a national powerhouse—nothing less is acceptable. The greatest joy in coaching for me is not just winning, but helping young men grow into outstanding individuals and leaders. Along the way, I want to help them pursue their dreams of playing college
basketball. VALLEY WILL ROLL!”

"I am absolutely delighted to welcome Steve to our coaching staff," said Boone upon Napper’s hiring. "Having known Steve for over thirty years, I was privileged to coach him as we built the Robert Morris University program together. Steve brings an exceptional background—he’s competed at the Division I level, learned from legendary high school coach Morgan Wootten, and contributed to the nationally acclaimed Bishop O’Connell program under Coach Joe Wootten. Whether it’s recruiting, evaluating talent, developing players on the court, or forging strong relationships, Steve excels in every aspect. His addition is a tremendous asset for Missouri Valley, and I couldn't be more excited to have him join our team."

Before joining Missouri Valley College, Coach Napper spent six seasons (2016-2025) as an assistant coach at Bishop O’Connell High School in Falls Church, Virginia, under head coach Joe Wootten. O’Connell competes in the prestigious Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC), bringing Coach Napper back to the same courts where he played in high school. During his tenure, the team achieved a total of 131 wins. In the 2024-2025 season, he served as the junior varsity head coach and led the team to a 19-2 record, the best in the school’s junior varsity history.

Coach Napper began his basketball journey at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, playing for Hall of Fame coach Morgan Wootten. DeMatha is renowned for its success in the WCAC and for producing top basketball talent. During Napper’s time there, the team recorded a 101-12 overall record. In his junior year, they finished 31-2 and were ranked seventh nationally. In his senior year, he was named First Team All-Prince George’s County and received All-Metropolitan Honorable Mention. From 1993 to 1995, Napper played at Division I Winthrop University in the Big South Conference. In his freshman season, he was named to the Big South All-Rookie Team. The following year, he set a Big South single-game rebounding record with 23 rebounds against the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

After the 1995 season, he transferred to Robert Morris University in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, competing in the Northeast Conference. While at Robert Morris, he helped rebuild the program into a conference contender. In his senior year, he  was named the team’s Most Valuable Player and received the Coca-Cola Senior Leadership Award. Napper graduated in 1998 with a degree in Business Administration, specializing in Sports Management. Following graduation, Napper served as a Maryland State Trooper for ten years until he retired in 2005 due to an on-duty injury. He later returned to school, earning an associate degree in Funeral Services and Mortuary Science from John Tyler Community College in Richmond, Virginia, in 2008. Steve considers his greatest accomplishments to be his three daughters—Brianna, Morgan, and Taylor—and his granddaughter Zuri, all of whom live in Fairfax, Virginia.