St. Mary’s Ryken High School has named Steve Howes as its new Director of Athletics. Howes, who brings more than two decades of leadership in high school and college athletics, will officially begin his role on July 1, 2026.
Howes most recently served as Director of Athletics at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland, another Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School. In that position, he oversaw more than 40 athletic teams and managed a staff of 125 full- and part-time employees. He led successful fundraising initiatives, established a department-wide apparel partnership with Under Armour and directed major facility renovations and branding efforts.
Before moving into athletic administration, Howes had a distinguished 15-year career as head men’s basketball coach at The Catholic University of America. He is the winningest coach in program history with a 276-138 record and led the Cardinals to five NCAA Tournament appearances. He was twice a finalist for the Glenn Robinson National Coach of the Year Award. His teams also excelled academically, earning four NABC Team Academic Excellence Awards while maintaining a strong commitment to community service.
Howes earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from The Catholic University of America. He currently serves as a college basketball analyst for ABC 7 and WUSA 9.
Principal Tom Campbell expressed enthusiasm about the appointment. “Steve’s experience, vision, and commitment to student-athlete success make him an outstanding fit for our school,” Campbell said. “We are confident he will build upon our tradition of athletic excellence while continuing to foster a culture rooted in faith, character, and sportsmanship.”
Howes expressed excitement about returning to the St. Mary’s Ryken community. “I am honored to join the St. Mary’s Ryken community,” he said. “I look forward to working alongside our coaches, student-athletes, families, and alumni to continue building a championship culture that emphasizes excellence in competition, academics, faith, and service.”
Howes’ connection to St. Mary’s Ryken is personal. He is a member of the Class of 1996 and previously served as assistant athletic director and varsity assistant coach from 2003 to 2008. During that time, he helped lead the Knights to a strong record and the program’s first national ranking.
The St. Mary’s Ryken athletics program has a rich tradition of success across multiple sports. Howes’ appointment is expected to build on that foundation while maintaining the school’s emphasis on developing the whole student-athlete.
For more information about the St. Mary’s Ryken athletics program, contact athletics@smrhs.org or visit www.smrhs.org/athletics.
