When a first-time varsity head coach takes a first-year program to the top of the conference standings, you earn respect. And awards.
And that is why Jeffrey Steel has been named the 2026 New South Athletic Conference Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year.
Steel led the URBE University Tigers to the NSAC regular season title with a 6-0 record and 20-2 overall mark in the program’s inaugural season. The Tiger’s magical run ended in the conference tournament title game to Apprentice.
Steel came to URBE from St. Thomas University where he served as a Graduate Assistant Coach and Head Coach of the Developmental Team. Prior to St. Thomas, Steel began his coaching career at his alma mater Doral Academy where his JV squad went 11-2 in his first season as head coach.
Steel played two years at Ave Maria University where he helped the Gyrenes capture their first conference tournament championship in program history and first ever national tournament appearance. In his senior year, Steel served as team captain and helped lead AVU to a 20-10 record and the highest national ranking in program history.
Congratulations to URBE’s Jeffrey Steel, the NSAC Coach of the Year!
