Bio
Coach Stepanenko enters his first season as an Assistant Coach at the University of Toccoa Falls, bringing more than two decades of basketball coaching and player development experience to the program.
Stepanenko most recently served as the Head Coach at Mater Biscayne Academy (FL) during the 2025-26 season. In his lone season with the program, he helped double the team's total wins from the previous season, increased the team's scoring average by 17 points, and led the program to its longest winning streak in school history.
From 2019-22, Stepanenko served as Assistant Director of Development with Before the Lights, where he was involved in player training and development that produced one NBA Draft pick, one G League player, and multiple players who went on to sign professional contracts overseas.
Stepanenko previously served as an Assistant Coach at University School, where he was the lead scout for opponents and contributed to game-planning and individual player development. During his tenure, University School won a 5A state championship, achieved a top-25 national ranking, earned a berth in the GEICO Nationals, and developed multiple nationally ranked players.
Earlier in his career, Stepanenko served as Head Coach at United States Basketball Academy, where he was responsible for the development and training of four coaches and more than 250 players. He also spent six seasons as Head Coach at Hialeah Educational Academy and began his coaching career as an Assistant Coach at Monsignor Edward Pace High School, contributing to two district championships, two regional championships, and a state championship.
Stepanenko earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Florida International University in 2017
“Coach Jeff brings a wealth of experience to our program. As a veteran coach from Miami, Florida, he has served as a head coach at the high school level, worked internationally, and has had the opportunity to work with players at both the NBA and NBA G League levels. His basketball knowledge and experience will be an incredible asset to our student-athletes and our program.
“Most importantly, Coach Jeff is someone who has dedicated a part of his life to serving our country. That speaks volumes about the type of person he is and the character he brings to our staff. I truly believe the Lord brought Jeff to us at exactly the right time.” - Head Coach Colin Doss
