TULSA, Okla. – Some people measure success by wins and championships. Others measure it by the lives they impact. For more than two decades, Steve Upshaw quietly built both.

After 25 seasons with Oral Roberts men's basketball, "Coach Up," as known by many, has announced he is stepping away from the program, closing one of the longest and most influential tenures in the history of ORU Athletics.

"After 25 unforgettable years, it's time for me to step away from ORU Basketball," Coach Upshaw said.

"I want to express my deepest gratitude to every coach I had the privilege of working alongside, the administration for their trust and support, and most importantly, the incredible student-athletes who made every season meaningful. Your hard work, commitment, and character made this journey truly special.
 
I am incredibly proud of all that we accomplished together, including seven conference championships and our unforgettable run to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in 2021. Those achievements will always stand as a testament to the dedication, sacrifice, and belief of everyone involved in our program.

To our loyal supporters, thank you for your unwavering encouragement through every victory and every challenge. Your passion helped make ORU basketball a family.

Serving this program has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I will always cherish the friendships, memories, and experiences we shared. Though I'm leaving my role, ORU basketball will always hold a special place in my heart.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this incredible journey. God bless and Go Golden Eagles!"

Since arriving before the 2002-03 season, Coach Upshaw became much more than a member of the coaching staff. He became a trusted mentor, a servant leader, a steady presence and one of the defining pillars of the Golden Eagles basketball program.

His fingerprints can be found throughout one of the most successful eras in program history.

Whether preparing for practice before sunrise, handling countless responsibilities behind the scenes, encouraging a student-athlete after a difficult day, or celebrating championships with his ORU family, Steve Upshaw approached every opportunity with humility, excellence and unwavering faith.
 
"Steve has been the definition of a servant leader," said Head Coach Kory Barnett. "He never sought recognition—he simply showed up every day to serve our players, our coaches, and this University. His influence reaches far beyond wins and losses, and our program is better because of him. He will always be family at Oral Roberts University."

During his 25 seasons, the Golden Eagles captured multiple conference championships, advanced to five NCAA Tournaments, made 10 postseason appearances and authored one of the greatest moments in college basketball history with the unforgettable Sweet 16 run in 2021.
 
Those closest to the program know Steve's greatest victories were never recorded in a box score. His greatest legacy lives in the hundreds of student-athletes whose lives he helped shape.
 
Athletic Director Tim Johnson had this to say about Coach Upshaw:

"For nearly a quarter century, Steve has served Oral Roberts University with extraordinary humility, faith, and unwavering commitment. His impact reaches far beyond our basketball program. He has influenced generations of student-athletes, coaches, staff members, and everyone fortunate enough to know him.

At Oral Roberts University, we talk often about developing Whole Person Champions—young men and women who grow spiritually, academically, personally, and athletically. If you ever wanted to know what that mission looks like in action, you simply look at Steve Upshaw. He has lived it every single day.

Championships, NCAA Tournament appearances, and the historic Sweet 16 run will always be part of his legacy, but Steve's greatest contribution has been the way he loved people, served others, and represented this university with integrity. His example has strengthened our athletic department and left an imprint that will continue to shape ORU long after his final day on our bench.

We are deeply grateful for Steve's 25 years of faithful service. He will always be a valued member of the ORU family, and we pray God's blessings over him and his family as he begins this next chapter."

ORU Athletics and the ORU men's basketball program extend immeasurable gratitude to Steve Upshaw for his unwavering commitment and countless contributions over the last 25 seasons.

Coach Upshaw's impact will remain ingrained throughout the program he helped shape. The conference championships, postseason appearances and historic moments he was a part of will forever be part of ORU basketball history.
 
For the latest information on ORU men's basketball, follow @ORUMBB on X, Instagram, and Facebook or go to www.ORUAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on the team by downloading the ORU Athletics App in the Google Play or App Store.