Courtney R. Stephens, now in his fourth season as an assistant coach for the Alabama State Lady Hornets under head coach Freda Freeman-Jackson, has a rich history both on the court and on the sidelines.
Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Stephens played two standout seasons at Kennedy-King College (1995-1997) under Coach Willie Little, where he averaged an impressive 17 points and 12 rebounds per game as a freshman, and 13 points and 11 rebounds as a sophomore.
His contributions helped lead Kennedy-King to two conference championships and an appearance in the NJCAA Region IV title game. Recognized for his skills, Stephens was named first-team all-conference and received NJCAA honorable mention All-American votes. He then transferred to Alabama State University, where he played under head coach Rob Spivery from 1997 to 1999. After his playing career, he served as a student-manager for the ASU Men’s Basketball team during the 1999-2000 season before being hired as an assistant coach in 2000.
This is Stephens' second stint as an assistant coach at Alabama State, where he served from 2000-2013 under head coaches Rob Spivery and Lewis Jackson, contributing to five SWAC championships (2001, 2004, 2008, 2009, and 2011). His role in the men's program included recruiting, scouting, planning summer camps, and coordinating community service, as well as supporting players academically and in areas like financial aid and residential life. He was also responsible for strength and conditioning training, helping players maintain fitness, agility, and basketball acumen.
Now working with the Lady Hornets, Stephens specializes in developing Forwards and Centers and supports Coach Freeman-Jackson in creating and implementing defensive strategies for practices and games.
A veteran of the United States Army and Army Reserve, Stephens served from 1992 to 1999 and re-enlisted from 2000 to 2006, including active duty in Operation Enduring Freedom from 2004 to 2006. He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Alabama State in 2000 and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Stephens is married to Kiya Powell of Monroe, Louisiana, and they have three children: Amari’Kiya, Jaden, and Kourtney.
