Stephen Roberts is a dedicated educator, coach, and mentor with more than 25 years of experience developing athletes and helping them reach their highest potential in track and field. As a Head Track and Field Coach at the collegiate level, he is committed to building a culture of excellence, discipline, character, and championship performance while preparing student-athletes for success both on and off the track.
Stephen began his career in education working with students with mild to moderate disabilities and later worked with high school students with Asperger Syndrome at Starr’s Mill High School. While working in education, he earned his undergraduate degree from Mercer University and continued to develop his passion for coaching and mentoring young athletes.
His coaching career spans more than two decades of experience in both football and track and field. During his 20 years of coaching football, Stephen gained extensive experience working with athletes at multiple positions, including wide receivers, linebackers, defensive linemen, running backs, and defensive backs. He has attended numerous coaching clinics and developed position-specific training programs designed to maximize athletic performance and prepare student-athletes for the next level of competition.
Over the course of his coaching career, Stephen’s passion for track and field has become a central focus of his work. With more than 25 years of experience in the sport, he has trained and developed athletes across multiple disciplines, including sprints, hurdles, jumps, and throws. His athletes have competed successfully at the state, collegiate, conference, and national levels.
As a collegiate Head Track and Field Coach, Stephen brings a comprehensive approach to athlete development that combines technical instruction, performance training, strength and conditioning, sports science principles, and mentorship. His coaching philosophy emphasizes developing the complete athlete—physically, mentally, academically, and personally—while creating an environment where student-athletes can pursue excellence and compete at the highest levels of the sport.
Stephen’s coaching experience extends beyond individual event development. He has a strong understanding of sprint mechanics, acceleration, maximum velocity, speed endurance, strength development, plyometrics, hurdles, jumps, and the principles of long-term athlete development. He is passionate about helping athletes understand the “why” behind their training and empowering them to take ownership of their development.
One of the greatest highlights of Stephen’s coaching journey has been seeing athletes he has mentored progress from youth and high school competition to collegiate and international success. His commitment to developing athletes has also become a family legacy. Stephen is married to Melissa Roberts, and together they have six children. Four of their children have competed at the collegiate level, and one of his children is a 2024 Olympic silver medalist in track and field.
Stephen Roberts continues to dedicate his career to developing championship-caliber student-athletes, building successful track and field programs, and using the sport as a vehicle to teach discipline, perseverance, leadership, and excellence.
