JCSU alumni salute retired basketball coach Steve Joyner

JCSU alumni salute retired basketball coach Steve Joyner

Johnson C. Smith alumni recently celebrated the accomplishments and legacy of retired basketball coach Steve Joyner.

The Charlotte chapter of the JCSU Alumni Association held a reception to honor Joyner, a 1973 graduate. His connection to the school began as a freshman basketball player and ultimately team captain. As an alumnus, Joyner directed JCSU’s National Youth Sports Program, was an assistant basketball coach and subsequent women’s basketball head coach before taking over the men’s team and serving more than 20 years as director of athletics.

As men’s coach, Joyner won three CIAA titles, and an NCAA Regional title with a berth in the Division II Elite Eight in 2001. His 600 wins are the third-most among CIAA coaches and top 50 in Division II.
Joyner emphasized he always encouraged kids in NYSP, a summer program, to do their best.

“NYSP was the most fun position I ever had working with kids 10- to 16-years-old,” he said. “I remain passionate about this institution and what it’s done for more than 100 years.”

Stan Lewter, an ESPN analyst and former Livingstone basketball coach, was the leadoff speaker. He recalled a variety of stories about Joyner, including noting how eight of those 600 victories came against Lewter’s teams.

“You’re a class act, Steve, and in all your coaching I have never seen you get a technical foul,” he said. “You represent everything a man should be beyond just coaching.”

JCSU board of trustees chair emeritus Tom Baldwin, who like Joyner, grew up in Winston-Salem, recounted how he and several high schoolmates demanded that JCSU was where Joyner should be and would be going to play college basketball.

“We appreciate your legacy,” Baldwin said. “You transformed lives.”

JCSU Vice President for Student Affairs Davida Haywood, an alumnus, contended she was not worthy just to say thank you and then noted, “You poured into kids during NYSP…and as a famous and legendary coach, you are right up there with John Thompson and Dean Smith,” she said.

Adrian Harper, a ministry leader who claimed to be Joyner’s “favorite work study student” in her college days, encouraged Joyner to “be proud of the lives you’ve touched. Now enjoy your grandkids.”

Longtime Golden Bulls assistant coach Mark Sherrill, who like Joyner is a member of JCSU Sports Hall of Fame and a former basketball player, praised his former coach and boss.

“Thanks for making a difference in my life,” Sherrill said. “We produced lawyers, doctors, businessman and so much more.” JCSU cheerleader coach Peggy Lide, who orchestrated and produced the celebration, said she got to know Joyner over the years.

“He was peaceful and very supportive,” she said. “He hated controversy but didn’t take no mess.”

Added JCSU trustee and alumnae Christi Bryant: “You are Smith-made and we look up to you. Your legacy is our legacy. From our heart to yours, we are so proud of you.”

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