Inductees

Life in small-town Missouri always fit Stephanie Bates like a warm jacket.

Growing up in Salem, a community of 4,400 at the time, she developed her love for sports in large part due to her experiences watching her older brother and a host of cousins participate in athletics and from the encouragement of her sports-minded parents, who urged her to compete in several sports.

Despite her deep roots in the Dent County community, and trying her hand in soccer, softball and basketball as well, Bates had big plans for her future after earning All-State recognition in volleyball for Salem High.

“I always knew I wanted to be one of three things: a veterinarian, a physical therapist or a teacher and coach,” Bates said.

What she did not know at the time was how big an impact her hometown would have on her. Ultimately, she became a high school volleyball coach that saw 625 victories in 27 seasons, as well as the lone state title in her alma mater’s history. That’s why the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame proudly inducted Bates as part of the Class of 2022.

After concluding her prep playing career, Stephanie found another anchor in Drury University volleyball coach Barb Cowherd upon her arrival at the Springfield school.

“I never realized how fortunate I was to have her as my coach until I became a coach myself and saw how dishonest other college coaches can be with players,” Bates offered. “Barb was always classy and professional. Luckily, she recruited other girls who liked to win as much as I did.”

Stephanie flourished on the court for the Lady Panthers, earning Honorable Mention All-America accolades as a senior.

She assisted Cowherd at Drury for two seasons following her graduation. She then capitalized on the opportunity to return to Salem – first as an assistant coach, then as the Lady Tigers’ coach over a wildly successful 11-year stretch that included three Class 3 Final Four appearances.

After helping SHS to a third-place finish as an assistant in 1993, she guided the Lady Tigers to a state runner-up showing in 1995 in her first trip to the finals as head coach.

“We were blessed with good talent and size during those years,” Bates said. “The girls were so coachable and willing to work hard to get better. They were like little sponges, absorbing everything I could teach them to become better players.”

One year later, the Lady Tigers’ mix of talent and dedication, combined with Bates’ leadership, meshed at the perfect time in the perfect place to deliver the first, and 26 years later, still the only team state championship for any SHS athletic program.

The Lady Tigers won 37 of their 39 matches, knocking off Bishop DuBourg in three sets in the state championship match.

“I will probably never be able to put into words just how special it was to be able to bring home a state championship to my hometown,” Bates said.

Additionally, she piloted the Lady Tigers to seven South Central Association championships and captured conference Coach of the Year laurels five times.

“Coaching at a smaller school, you have to be a jack-of-all-trades type of coach,” Bates added. “You have to be able to be a custodian, secretary, mentor, friend, coach, motivator and role model. I have often said that, if I had started out at a large school, I do not think I would have become as good of a coach.”

Stephanie left the comforts of her home base in 2004, when she accepted the head coaching position at Springfield’s Glendale High School. The larger stage of Class 4 volleyball did little to slow Bates’ roll. She led the Lady Falcons for 15 seasons, notching five Ozark Conference titles and reaching a Final Four in 2008.

“Most of the girls were involved in club volleyball in the offseason,” she said. “We played the best teams every opportunity we had in order to become better.”

Bates also led Springfield Catholic to a 27-6-2 in her final season. Overall, she mentored 28 All-State standouts, 48 collegiate players and three All-Americans while compiling a 625-199-73 ledger in 27 seasons.

“I have high expectations for my players,” she said. “Players who work hard and are coachable excel under my style. Players know they have to earn their spot, it is not given to them. Sometimes players do not realize they can do something until they do it. Once this happens, they no longer set limits on themselves. The impossible suddenly becomes possible.”