Donnie Stephens, who just finished his eighth season as Head Coach of the UC Women’s Wrestling team in 2020-21, has led the Patriots to a 72-48-1 record since taking over the program before the 2013-14 season.
Stephens has coached the program's first NAIA National Champion (Bridgette Duty, 130 lbs. 2017-21), 24 WCWA All-Americans, including one WCWA National Champion (Jessika Rottier, 170 lb, 2016-17). He has also coached seven NAIA All-Americans, and the two winningest wrestlers in program history (Sarah Allen, 132 wins, 2013-17 and Bridgette Duty 105 wins, 2017-21).
Coach Stephens is coming off of one of the most successful seasons for UC women's wrestling in 2020-21. Highlighting the year is Bridgette Duty winning the program's first NAIA National Championship and being named the MSC Wrestler of the Year. Five wrestlers earned All-American status with three on first team (Bridgette Duty, MaQuoia Bernabe and Chamira Cooper). Three Patriots earned First Team All Conference from winning their respective weight classes (Bridgette Duty, Elizabeth Dosado and MaQuoia Bernabe) along with one on second team (Chamira Cooper) and one on Third Team (Ashley Ikner). The team finished ranked sixth at the end of the season with a duals record of 4-3.
The 2019-20 season saw the Patriots ranked sixth heading into the NAIA Championships. Due to COVID-19 the Championships were not held, but eight wrestlers earned NWCA All-American status including two First Team All-Americans (Bridgette Duty and Jaine Stephens). The team finished 9-11-1 (1-2 Mid-South Conference) to earn third in the MSC.
2018-19 saw Cumberlands win the Mid-South Conference regular season title posting a perfect 4-0 record in conference matches. UC would go onto to have a 10-6 overall record to finish fifth in the NAIA with seven All-Americans.
Stephens hails from Colorado Springs, CO. He began his high school career at Pueblo East High School in Pueblo, CO before moving to West Covina, CA where he completed his high school career at West Covina High School. During his high school career, he was a California High School State Place winner and the FILA Junior California State Champion. He went on to receive a scholarship to wrestle at Cal State Bakersfield (CSU).
While at CSU, Stephens earned his B.S. in Social Science. After his time on the mat was finished, he became the head coach of both the men and women's wrestling teams at his alma mater West Covina High School where he remained for 19 years. During his time there, Stephens accumulated 11 league championships, five CIF (regionals) championships, and three California State Women's Championships. He also coached with the USA Wrestling Women's Cadet Pan Am team.
Stephens left his position at West Covina to move back to Colorado where he owned a gym that specialized in mixed martial arts (MMA). With this extensive background and his love of coaching, Stephens decided to leave his gym and come to Williamsburg to coach the Patriots.
Stephens commented, "I am truly excited to be a Patriot. I am very impressed with the support and commitment that the team receives from the school. UC has a lot to offer with its support of the school and its physical beauty. I can't wait to get started on bringing home wins and college degrees. I know that we will be able to have both of those very soon. I have aspirations and visions that we can bring home a national championship within the next couple years."
