July 4, 2014

This summer OleMissSports.com will run a summer series in which we introduce the new faces around the Ole Miss women's basketball team. We continue this summer series with new video coordinator Sean Stephenson.

Ole Miss welcomed former Westview High School head women’s basketball coach Sean Stephenson to the women’s basketball family on May 28. Stephenson served as the head coach for the last nine seasons. Stephenson led his squad to nine 20-win seasons, including two 30-win seasons. His squads advanced to five sub-state appearances including back-to-back appearances in 2013 and 2014. Stephenson has NCAA experience serving as a graduate assistant at UT-Martin from 1997-99. During his time with the Skyhawk’s, they won the Ohio Valley regular-season championship and reached the Sweet Sixteen of the WNIT. 

OleMissSports.com: What makes Ole Miss women’s basketball special?
Stephenson: From the short time I have been here, I have noticed that it is really a family atmosphere.  Anytime you become “family” with the people you work with and coach, successful things tend to happen quickly because everyone is working together for the same goals. 

OleMissSports.com: What are you looking forward to during the upcoming season?
Stephenson: I am looking forward to experiencing life in the SEC.  We are in the greatest conference in the country.  Growing up in the South, I have been a huge SEC fan my entire life. 

OleMissSports.com: How did you get involved in coaching?
Stephenson: My dad was a coach, so I followed in his footsteps.  One of my best friends in college, Chris Hart, kind of helped to talk me into it when we were the managers for UT-Martin men’s basketball. 

OleMissSports.com: If you could pick your all-time Starting Five composed of WNBA/NBA players who would it be and why?
Stephenson: Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Tim Duncan
Jordan will always be my favorite player.  I grew up when he was playing for North Carolina and Chicago.  I enjoyed the Celtics/Lakers rivalries in the 80’s and Bird, Magic, and Worthy were obviously huge parts of that.  I love the way Tim Duncan continues to play the game at a high level.  All of these players are winners! 

OleMissSport.com: What is your best or earliest basketball memory?
Stephenson: Making it to the Nationals of the Elks National Free Throw Competition in Indianapolis when I was nine and 11. 

OleMissSports.com: What is your most embarrassing basketball moment?
Stephenson: Celebrating a Sub-State win only to find out they put more time back on the clock. Thank goodness we still won! 

OleMissSports.com: If you weren’t involved with basketball what sport would you be involved in?
Stephenson: Golf 

OleMissSports.com: Who is your coaching role model?
Stephenson: My dad

Previous Editions of Get To Know
Assistant Coach Brittany Hudson – June 27