Faces of Xavier: Stephen Miss '86, Athletic Director at Belmont Abbey College

Over Christmas Break, Xavier’s varsity basketball team traveled to Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina to compete in the inaugural McGuire Classic, held in honor of legendary collegiate basketball coach and commentator Al McGuire. The event was organized by Belmont Abbey College Athletic Director Stephen Miss ’86, who is a Xavier alumnus. After graduation from Xavier in 1986, Mr. Miss graduated from the University of North Carolina with a double major in English and Economics and later earned his Master’s in English Literature and Irish Theatre. We had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Miss recently to discuss his life at Xavier, his path to Belmont Abbey College, and his time with the Xavier basketball team at the McGuire Classic.

What made you apply to Xavier as a student?

I went to grammar school in New Jersey, about an hour away from New York City. When I was applying to high school, I knew that I really wanted to go to Xavier. I loved the idea of a Jesuit education, especially all of the programs Xavier offered, and I found the idea of going to school in New York City to be extremely exciting. Xavier was the only private school I applied to, both in New York and New Jersey. Just to make sure I didn’t place all my eggs in one basket, one of my teachers made me apply to another school in New Jersey, but I was lucky enough to get accepted to Xavier.

What are some of your fondest memories of Xavier?

Several memories immediately come to mind. It was in 1982, one of the first days of freshman year. The father of Dennis D’Arienzo ’86, one of my classmates, passed away before school began. Even though I didn’t know Dennis very well at that point and had never met his father, our entire class went to his funeral. As a result, I was struck early on by the importance of community at Xavier. I greatly appreciate how we were expected to be there for one another, and this community definitely helped us grow into the men we were at graduation.

I also remember being driven home from school by Mr. Frank Gregory, who was then the Dean of Students. I knew Dean Gregory very well at the time, though not for good reasons. I like to think that at Xavier, I minored in extracurriculars and majored in JUG. At the time, I was somewhat of a punk, but during the ride home, he was very compassionate and caring. I was very appreciative of the kindness he showed to somebody who was such a thorn in his side, and it reminded me of how invested the teachers and administration were in seeing us succeed.

After graduating from Xavier in 1986, you went on somewhat of a circuitous path to become what you are today, a college administrator and basketball coach. How did this path come about?

I was always interested in English, and after I graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1992, I applied to several master’s programs. At Trinity College Dublin, I earned my master’s in Irish Literature, and I was privileged to play basketball for their team. After coaching one of the lower level teams at Trinity, I gained some experience coaching, so when I went to the University of Georgia to get a doctorate in English, I helped coach their men’s basketball team. I completed my coursework for my PhD but never completed the program, and I really started to enjoy coaching, especially under head coach Jim Harrick. I ended up at Towson University and then at Belmont Abbey College, where I became head coach. The position of Athletic Director became open last year, and even though I had no experience in administration, I was offered the position. It took a long time to get where I am today, and by no means was it a straight path. I made the right connections and took advantage of the right opportunities and programs that I enjoyed and was interested in.

What was it like hosting Xavier for the McGuire Classic?

It was great to meet all of the Xavier players, coaches, and administrators who came down for the McGuire Classic. Head coach Joe McGrane does a wonderful job with the young men at Xavier. The team was very respectful and well-behaved, and they played really hard and virtuously. I also admired their teamwork and the way they worked as a unit. Graduating from Xavier in 1986, I had a certain expectation of what a “Son of Xavier” was supposed to represent. It was great to see that expectation realized, and I loved working with them.

If you had any advice for current or prospective students and student-athletes, what would it be?

There are several points I would like to stress. One, take advantage of the Jesuit education you’re given at Xavier. Xavier taught me how to think, research, and discern the parts of life that are important, and then how to use that knowledge to advance yourself and the lives of others. I didn’t expect to become a coach and administrator after I graduated from Xavier; actually, I expected to work on Wall Street for the rest of my life – but the lessons and skills I learned at school served me capably and helped me adjust to any situation or challenge I encountered. I’m grateful for all that Xavier has done for me and all the opportunities that my time at 30 W. 16 Street made possible.