Hartnell’s Steven Terry Named Coast Conference Co-Coach of the Year

Hartnell College Women's Basketball Head Coach Steven Terry has been named Coast Conference Co-Coach of the Year, recognizing his leadership and dedication to the development of student-athletes both on and off the court.

Under Terry's leadership, the Panthers captured the Coast Conference South Co-Championship and earned a place in the Regional Playoffs, marking a successful season for the program.

Terry brings nearly two decades of coaching experience to the court. He has been coaching for 17 years, including four years as the Head Boys Basketball Coach at Soledad High School from 2010 to 2013. He has also been part of the Hartnell basketball program for 12 years, serving nine years as the Men's Assistant Coach before becoming the Head Women's Basketball Coach three years ago.

Terry's coaching philosophy centers on building strong character while competing at a high level.

"My philosophy is built on toughness, effort, attitude, motive, selflessness and transformational coaching," Terry said. "It's important to love, care, and serve every member of our program. Our teams require communication, discipline, belief, and accountability."

While basketball is the focus on the court, Terry says the deeper goal is preparing players for life beyond the game. "Basketball is the vehicle, but the real goal is developing strong, confident young women who serve others, lead with character, and make their communities better," he said.

Terry believes leadership starts with setting the tone for the entire program.

"Leadership means setting the standard every day," he said. "It's about serving others, building trust, and helping players believe in themselves and each other. As a coach, my role is to guide, teach, and create an environment where our players can grow, both as athletes and as people." He says true leadership shows when players take ownership of the team's culture.

Being recognized as Coach of the Year is meaningful, Terry said, but he credits the award to the collective effort of his players, assistant coaches, and family.

"It's a tremendous honor, but I couldn't have done it without my players," Terry said. "I owe it all to them and my assistant coaches. The time, commitment, and sacrifice that go into building a winning program is not easy, and it takes everyone working together." He also acknowledged the support system behind his work. "I'm grateful for my wife and children," he said. "They hear all the worries and struggles that come with being a head coach, and their support means everything."

For Terry, coaching is more than a profession, it is a lifelong passion.

"Coaching is my life and Hartnell has been a special place for me, as a student, a player, instructor, and now as a coach. What keeps me passionate is seeing young people grow and improve, not just in basketball, but in who they become as leaders and as people," Terry said. "When someone from our program walks into a room, I want others to feel their impact. Life is better when a member of our program is around."