Steve Joyner joins the Eagles in 2025-26 with nearly two decades of coaching and athletics leadership experience across the collegiate and high school levels, highlighted by a conference championship pedigree.
"Steve has a sharp understanding of the game, and I expect him to make an immediate impact," stated Randall Lay. "His leadership experience and appreciation for team cohesion will be vital to our success. His passion for the game and commitment to player development will undoubtedly elevate our program."
Joyner spent nine seasons as head women’s basketball coach at Johnson C. Smith University, compiling a 147-102 record and leading the Golden Bulls to the 2016-17 CIAA Tournament championship. Prior to taking over the program, he was a student-athlete at JCSU from 1998-2001, playing point guard under his father and head coach, Stephen Joyner Sr. As the starter in 2001, he helped guide the Golden Bulls to the program’s first CIAA Tournament title and an appearance in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.
Following his collegiate career, Joyner began coaching at Livingstone College as an assistant under his uncle, the late Edward Joyner Sr. He then spent four seasons on the women’s basketball staff at North Carolina Central University (2002-06), followed by a brief tenure at UNC Asheville. He returned to Johnson C. Smith to serve in a dual assistant coaching role with both the women’s and men’s programs before joining Florida A&M University as an assistant women’s basketball coach from 2008-10.
Joyner was named head women’s basketball coach at Winston-Salem State University in 2010, leading the Rams through multiple competitive seasons before transitioning into athletic administration.
Most recently, Joyner served as Athletic Director at West Charlotte High School from January 2023 to June 2025. Under his leadership, the Lions claimed the 2024 NCHSAA 3A State Football Championship and reached the 2023 NCHSAA Basketball Final Four.
