By Rubin E. Grant
Ronald Steele was caught off guard, something that rarely happened on the court when he was earning back-to-back Alabama Mr. Basketball awards and leading John Carroll Catholic to consecutive state championships 20 years ago.
But Steele was taken aback when he was included among seven 2024 Making a Difference Award recipients by the Alabama High School Athletic Association and the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association.
The award is given to individuals who have been exemplary role models in their schools and communities. One recipient from each of the AHSAA’s seven classifications was selected from approximately 90 nominations submitted by AHSAA member schools and other support organizations or individuals.
Steele, John Carroll’s principal and boys basketball coach, is the Class 5A recipient.
“It was a surprise when I found out,” Steele said. “I am really humbled by it. To be recognized for something positive like that is something I feel good about.”
Each honoree will be recognized at the 2024 AHSAA Summer Conference Championship Coaches’ Awards Banquet, which will be held July 18 at 6 p.m. at the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center.
As a student-athlete at John Carroll, Steele was a recognizable name at virtually every high school across the AHSAA. Playing point guard, he led the Cavaliers to back-to-back Class 6A state basketball titles in 2003 and 2004 and helped put more than 18,000 fans in the BJCC for the state finals against Parker in 2004. He earned All-America honors and the prestigious Mr. Basketball Award in 2003 and 2004, becoming the first player in AHSAA state history to earn the award twice.
Following high school, Steele went to the University of Alabama and became a leader on the Crimson Tide basketball team. Injuries prevented him from playing in the NBA, but he did play professionally in Israel for several years.
When his playing days ended, Steele returned home to Birmingham. He has served in various roles at John Carroll, including teacher, coach, athletic director and principal. He has coached girls and boys basketball and is planning to double as principal and boys basketball coach next school year.
Steele just completed his first year as principal.
“It wasn’t a big learning curve ‘cause I’ve been at John Carroll a significant number of years,” he said. “It was a really positive experience for me, being in a leadership position like that, but it was a lot of long nights and juggling.”
Steele, 38, doesn’t know how long he will continue to do double duty as principal and basketball coach.
“Basketball has always been something I’ve enjoyed since I was a kid,” he said. “It will always be a part of my life. Doing both is something I’ll look at every year. I want to do what’s best for the students.”
Steele’s impact on the students and faculty is more about his personal faith and example and how he treats others daily. His nominator, Dr. Banyon Allison, wrote in his nomination letter:
“Coach Ronald Steele is the most humble person I know. He has a deep belief in God that manifests in his relationship with students. He sponsors Sports Leader, Toy Bowl, and Cavalier Attack. All of these are Christian-based organizations that develop basketball skills, but more importantly, character building habits. His players, while not perfect, follow Coach Steele’s high expectations of work ethic, respecting rules, and working hard in the classroom.”
The Making a Difference Award was established in 2011 by the AHSAA and AHSADCA to recognize individuals who go beyond their normal duties as a coach, teacher or administrator. This year’s recipients include one school system superintendent, one principal, two football coaches/athletic directors, two girls head basketball coaches, and one bowling and golf coach.
“The recipients in this 2024 Making a Difference class are excellent examples of men and women who have dedicated themselves to serving students with positive reinforcement, kindness and compassion,” said outgoing AHSAA Executive Director Alvin Briggs.
“They take their positions as role models for their students, faculty, and community very seriously and have shown exceptional leadership and determination in the challenges each has faced. These individuals have spent their entire teaching, coaching and administrative careers making a major positive impact in their communities and schools across the state and are excellent examples of what this award stands for.”
