Jul 24, 2025 By Eleanor Bailey 5 min read

Steve Spence has played and coached football long enough to understand the transparency inherent in the sport.

“Truth always finds you on the football field. There’s no hiding,” he said. “You get the result for which you prepared.”

“Your hard work or lack of it; your preparation and doing the right thing yields the right result. If you’re not doing those things, then that shows also. It’s clear cut.”

Since Spence was hired as head coach of the Chartiers Valley High School football team in mid-January, his game plan is clear cut. He’s devising a plan to transform the Colts into winners on and off the field. It’s a step-by-step process.

“Our goal right now is to do the little things right every single day and see where that leads us. Be disciplined. Work hard,” Spence emphasized. “Eventually we want to win a state championship and mold these players into successful young men, who will make a positive impact in the community and the lives of others.

“Especially at this level, as coaches our agenda, first and foremost, should be to influence these young men in the right way. Hopefully, we impact the lives of these players in a positive way so that they become great human beings, husbands, parents, employees and contributing members of society.”

Spence is a product of that philosophy.

He is a loving husband to Krista and proud parent of his son, Derek. The family resides in Westwood and his son will attend Guardian Angel Academy in Greentree in the fall.

Additionally, Spence has been employed as a mentor to young men since he graduated from John Carroll University.

Two coaches influenced Spence and molded him into the person he is today.

His father, Frank, is first. He served as one of his first coaches when he attended Catholic Central High School in Steubenville, Ohio.

“Because of him, I developed my passion for high school football,” Spence said.

Spence honed his quarterback skills and leadership abilities – he was a team captain – in college while earning a degree in exercise science. He then embarked on his coaching career joining the John Carroll staff as an assistant.

He spent the last 15 seasons at Washington and Jefferson College. He served as Mike Sirianni’s offensive coordinator and helped the Presidents win three consecutive PAC championships from 2012-14.

Two of his success stories were Jesse Zubik and Alex Baroffio. Zubik became a consensus All-American, appearing on three separate lists. A Bethel Park High School graduate, Baroffio became the first wide receiver in school history to record 100 receptions in his first two season. He rewrote the W&J record books, finishing his career first in receptions and receiving yards.

“I loved W&J and I loved the people. It was home for me,” Spence said.

“Mike (Sirianni) is my mentor. My closest friend,” Spence added. “He’s been the biggest influence on my career.”

For his personal growth as a husband, parent and coach, it was time for Spence to spread his wings. So he applied for the head coaching position at Chartiers Valley High School.

“It was time for a change and to try something new,” Spence said. “It was the right move for me and my family.”

Spence brings several things to CV from W&J, including its quarterback coach.

His dad, Frank, served in that capacity for 14 years. His experience spans 21 years, including 14 for the Presidents. The elder Spence is a member of the Ohio Valley Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

“Everything I know about coaching I learned from my father and at W&J,” Spence said. “I couldn’t ask for a better place to grow up as a person and as a coach than at W&J. I hope to bring what I know about football, offenses and defenses, and everything else, all the intangibles, to CV to help the program thrive.”

Turning the Colts into a winner is one of the challenges and differences Spence faces coming from the collegiate ranks and W&J. CV posted a 3-6 overall record last year and 1-4 record in the Big Six Conference. The Colts were 8-22 in three seasons under Aaron Fitzpatrick.

“There are similarities and differences but the biggest transition is the fact that the players leave and go home, not to their dorms at the end of the day. You can’t have access to them whenever. Their rides come at 4:30 and then you don’t see them again until the next day,” Spence said.

“Age is a difference. Instead of kids in or nearing their early 20s, they are as young as 14 here, but the same core values are there. In football, you have to have discipline, hit hard and be physical.”

None of those obstacles can curb Spence’s enthusiasm as he enters the 2025 campaign. The official start of the high school football season begins with the WPIAL-mandated heat acclimatization sessions on Aug. 4. Training camp, practices with full pads, opens Aug. 11. First games can be played Aug. 22 in lieu of a second scrimmage. Week one action is scheduled for Aug. 29.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to be here at CV and get the job done. I’m going to give it my all,” Spence said. “My goal is to have an impact on the lives of these kids and make their lives better by being with them.”