Stephenson takes over Barton volleyball program

Meeting the approval of the Barton Community College Board of Trustees, Brandon Stephenson takes over the Barton volleyball program as the Cougars' new head coach.  Stephenson, a native of Kansas, is familiar with the successful history of Barton Volleyball and brings coaching experience from within the junior college ranks.

"Brandon comes highly recommended by his peers and has shown the ability to make a positive impact on every volleyball program he has been a part of," said Barton Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs.  "His work ethic is second to none and I believe Brandon will have an immediate impact in his efforts to get Barton Volleyball back on track."

Stephenson comes to Barton from Lamar Community College where he compiled a 48-64 overall record.   Accomplishments on the court with victories over rivals and success in the classroom, Stephenson's three seasons at Lamar produced nine players being named to the Region IX Academic All-Region with one player named to the NJCAA academic list.   Off the court the team grade point average improved each year under his direction with the 2014-15 team having the 41st highest GPA amongst NJCAA D1 volleyball programs and also wining the AVCA team award with a 3.31 GPA.

Prior to Lamar, Stephenson was the assistant coach and wellness center assistant at Highland Community College.  Under Stephenson's leadership, the Lady Scotties saw success on the court with several double digit match totals in both blocks and kills while off the court seeing the largest group of Lady Scotties of ten players receiving the conference academic award.

In 2011, Stephenson was the assistant volleyball coach at Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas.  While there, he handled the teams conditioning, recruiting, and was in charge of the defense and setters.  During that year, the team knocked off three ranked teams for the first time in program history. 

Stephenson has also spent time at two NAIA school in Kansas, Bethany College and McPherson College, where he was a volunteer volleyball coach and recruiting coordinator.

A 2002 graduate from Salina Central High School in Salina, Kansas, Stephenson earned All-Class 5A and All-State Top 11 offensive lineman honors.   Taking his ability to the collegiate level, Stephenson attended Coffeyville Community College  becoming a two-time all-conference offensive lineman and was named a pre-season All-American his sophomore season.   After Coffeyville, Stephenson attended the University of Nebraska-Kearney where injuries sidelined his playing career and later transferred to McPherson College.

While at McPherson, Stephenson became the student coach for the volleyball team and was in charge of the strength program.  After two seasons, Stephenson transferred to Kansas Wesleyan University, where he graduated with a degree in physical education and minors in secondary health and coaching.  Stephenson received his master's in Recreation and Sport Science from Ohio University in spring 2013.

Stephenson has also coached 15U-18U club volleyball teams in Kansas from 2005 through 2008.