Steven Fennelly, Iowa State Women’s Basketball Coach

Fennelly makes sure to greet spectators along the baseline during games, showing his gratitude for their support. Both he and his wife Deb appreciate fans’ contribution.

Fennelly’s genuine approach resonates well with central Iowans who can detect any attempt at being fake quickly. Together he and his wife strike an impressive balance between work, family life and community involvement.

Early Life and Education

Fennelly was an active supporter of Florham Park’s Cheshire Home for years. Together with Lucille A. Paccioretti, they would regularly attend two Metropolitan Opera and Philharmonic performances each Saturday until one day after Broadway was closed due to Covid-19 pandemic outbreak.

As head coach of the 2021 Bobcats team he assisted first team All-GNAC award winner Carrington Wiggins and WNBA draft pick Damen Thacker while also developing 2021 Bobcats Player of the Year Stacy Frey who holds program records in points, rebounds, 3-pointers made and free throws made. In addition he served as recruitment coordinator.

He served on a panel that worked closely with New Jersey’s legislative committee to promote advance directive legislation. He was widely respected within the medical community as an authority on end-of-life matters, regularly lecturing at several colleges and universities around the state.

Professional Career

Fennelly took over an Iowa State program which had won only 237 games over its initial 20 seasons, yet has managed to make 17 playoff appearances over 19 campaigns and twice reached the Elite Eight under his leadership.

He has also provided guidance to several of Indiana State’s star post players, including school scoring leader Stacy Frese, Angie Welle, Lyndsey Medders and Nicky Wieben – key reasons behind ISU’s excellence at scoring from low post.

He attributes Moody’s success to her competitive drive and natural talent for passing and driving the lane, as well as her natural talent in passing and driving to her WNBA franchises that have shown interest in her as a draft pick.

Achievement and Honors

Fennelly has amassed an amazing 750 wins during his 30 years coaching basketball at Toledo and Iowa State, qualifying three times as Naismith Coach of the Year finalist and overseeing significant wins as well as devastating losses for both schools.

His high school coaches told him he would make an excellent basketball coach. At first he didn’t trust them; now, however, he does believe them.

His players laud his ability to keep them grounded during difficult times, with Latoja Schaben playing an invaluable role as his long-tenured assistant – always upbeat and positive! Her positive presence positively resonates with team. Likewise, all members of his staff work harmoniously even during periods of chaos.

Personal Life

Steven Fennelly is delighted to return home. He will serve UNI as an assistant coach, coaching their post players and recruiting. In addition, he will assist with any needs the program may present itself with on a day-to-day basis.

As soon as he accepted the job at Iowa State, many questioned his decision to leave Toledo’s successful program and join a squad with only five winning seasons since 1992. One coaching acquaintance even called it professional suicide.

But he remained confident he made the correct choice, crediting his father with teaching him selflessness and making sacrifices for team interests over personal ones.

Net Worth

As it can be hard to determine the precise earnings of an individual, we can make an educated guess as to their net worth. According to estimates of Fennelly’s net worth ranging between $1 and $10 Million. His primary source of income stems from coaching basketball.

Billy and Steven, his two sons with his wife, both work for their father at Iowa State University – Steven as an undergraduate assistant coach, while Billy serves as director of player development.

Steven will serve primarily as post player coach and assist with recruiting in his inaugural year with UNI. Prior to coming here, Steven served as an assistant coach at Idaho for 2016 as well as three seasons (2013-16) at California State Fullerton as an assistant. Jack Fennelly leaves several nieces and nephews; unfortunately both brothers Eugene and Robert Fennelly passed away before him.