Steve Schafer, head men’s basketball and head women’s golf coach has recently stepped down at Fontbonne to take on other responsibilities at Benedictine College, in Mesa, Arizona.

Director of Athletics Maria Eftink has the following to say about Schafer’s departure, "Though we are sad to see Coach Schafer leave Fontbonne; we are happy for him in pursuing this new opportunity. Coach Schafer has done a great job in his short tenure with recruiting quality student-athletes to Fontbonne’s men’s basketball and women’s golf programs. The talent on both teams leave the future very bright for both programs. Fontbonne Athletics thanks Coach Schafer for his tireless efforts in developing both programs and we wish him all the best throughout his career."

Schafer, only the second men’s basketball head coach at Fontbonne, spent three years at the helm, finishing the 2013-2014 season 9-16 with a 9-9 St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) record. This year’s .500 conference record was the best since the late Coach Lee McKinney’s 2008-2009 season.

Schafer brought in a wealth of talent, producing the most recent two SLIAC Newcomers of the Year. The Griffins have a total of five student-athletes to achieve this since the award’s 1995-1996 inception.

"I want to thank Fontbonne University for giving me the opportunity to be a head coach. I am very grateful to the administration here for believing in me and allowing me to grow and guide the men’s basketball and women’s golf teams. My departure is bittersweet. I have developed great relationships with people on campus especially my players and coaching staff and I will miss them dearly. I am very excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for me and wish Fontbonne University and the athletic department the best of luck in their future endeavors."

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