CHRIS STEPHENS

WHEELING – Central Catholic High School announced the hiring of Chris Stephens as its next head girls basketball coach Tuesday morning.

Stephens takes over for Roberta Olejasz, who stepped down after six seasons of leading the Maroon Knights program.

“I am excited for this new challenge,” Stephens said. “I am excited to continue to be associated with this great school, community and family atmosphere.”

Stephens shifts to the girls’ program after spending his entire 18-year coaching career in boys basketball. Included are the last three seasons working on the Maroon Knights coaching staff under his father, Mel.

Prior to returning to his alma mater, Stephens spent five seasons as the head coach at Winfield High School near Charleston.

Stephens takes over a CCHS girls program rich in tradition. The Knights have advanced to the Class AA state semifinals each of the last three seasons and played for the state championship in 2025. The Maroon Knights finished this past season with a 20-6 record.

“Coach Roberta did a fantastic job of continuing the pride and excellence that come with Central Catholic athletics,” Stephens said. “I look forward to continuing that tradition moving forward. We do have some very big shoes to fill with four talented starters graduating. We have one returning senior, but we have a lot of upcoming juniors and sophomores as well as incoming freshmen who will have a chance to carve out their own roles on the team. Right now, we have to put our heads down and get to work.”

Stephens, who met with his returning players earlier this week, graduated from Central in 2003. He attended Bethany College where he played four seasons for the Bison. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He then went to Wheeling Jesuit University where he earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2009.

Outside of coaching, Stephens works for Stonerise Home Health as a physical therapist.

“Our goals will be the same as I’ve had for any team I’ve coached. We want to be the hardest-playing and most-prepared team. It will take a collective effort from every player in the program and the coaching staff to work toward the goal of a state championship. Our program will be very demanding physically and mentally. It will be a program where every young lady will have to earn everything they get.”

Chris and his wife, Kristin, reside in Wheeling with their two children – Kalini (11) and Christopher (6).