The Marshalltown Community College department of athletics has announced the hiring of Steve Garber as the head coach of the women's basketball program. Garber joins the Tigers after recording over 200 wins at NJCAA Division II powerhouse Illinois Central College, including a 2006 national championship.
After an extensive nationwide search, Garber set himself apart from the rest of the applicants. MCC Director of Athletics Dan Huntley is pleased to welcome Garber and his winning tradition to MCC. "You don't have to look far to see that his experiences as an assistant and as a head coach will allow him to continue to be successful as he transitions to lead our women's basketball program. Steve is energized and ready for the tasks that are in front of him here at MCC as we seek to bring back the winning mentality to the women's program."
"I am extremely confident that Steve will right the ship quickly," Huntley continued. "He is familiar with our conference and region, has coached in our building and already has some great rivalries with other conference coaches due to their competing against his strong Illinois Central teams. At this time, Steve provides a great fit for our department by bringing in a competitive edge and reputation in women's basketball. Steve has coached and learned from some of the best in the game and it has surely paid off."
Garber brings a storied background of coaching at the junior college level. At ICC, Garber compiled a record of 230-69 during his eight-year tenure. Garber and the Cougars reached the pinnacle in 2006, capturing the program's sixth national championship. Garber also led the 2005 team to a runner-up finish and added a third-place finish in 2008.
For his efforts, Garber was awarded the 2006 Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) women's basketball Coach of the Year. Garber was a three-time district coach of the year (2005, 2006, 20008), two-time region coach of the year (2005, 2007) and the 2006 National Tournament Coach of the Year.
Garber expressed his excitement for a fresh start for the program. "It's very refreshing to see the vision of the department and the women's basketball program," said Garber. I'd like to thank Dan and the entire department for such a tremendous opportunity. I'm very excited for the upcoming season and what is in store for the team."
Garber brings a new philosophy to a program seeking leadership. "We will work on all aspects of the game to become better each and every day. We will work harder to get better. I'm ready to return to the court and help guide the Tigers back to their winning ways."
At ICC, Garber produced seven junior college All-Americans. Garber also served as the Region 24 women's basketball chairperson.
Prior to his head coaching career at ICC, Garber coached under two Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Hall of Fame coaches in Chris Weller at the University of Maryland (1988-1990) where the team reached the NCAA Division I Final Four in 1988, and Lorene Ramsey at ICC (1997-2003).
Garber received a Master's of Education degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and a bachelor's degree from Monmouth College where he was a four-year member of the Hawks' men's basketball team.
The Tigers finished the 2012-13 season with an 11-20 record, including a 6-10 mark in Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) play. MCC has posted back-to-back 11 win seasons.
The 2013-2014 tips off with the Tigers traveling to the Kirkwood Jamboree on Oct. 13.
