The Branson School District have named new head coaches for the upcoming school year.

The complete release from the Branson School District is below:

Branson High School welcomes three new head coaches for its girls soccer, boys golf, and girls golf teams for the 2023-2024 school year. 

Lauren Stepp has been named the new head girls soccer coach, and will also teach physical education for Branson Junior High School. Stepp currently teaches and coaches for Mascoutah High School in Illinois. She started the girls soccer program for Cassville High School in 2018.
Stepp was a key player for the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers, where she received her Bachelor's degree.

“We are excited to have Coach Stepp leading our girls soccer program,” says Branson High School Activities Director, David Large. “She is a well-known name in the area after a stellar prep career at Nixa, and has great experience as a head soccer coach.” 

Stepp says she is proud to be the next leader of the Lady Pirates. “My vision is to build a competitive environment where student-athletes develop skills to be better soccer players and leaders in our community,” says Stepp. 

Stepp replaces Brandon Scott who has accepted an administrative position with Ozark Schools. Stepp and her husband, Andrew, have one daughter. 

Taking charge of the boys golf team is Chad Depée, who just completed eight years as head football coach for the Ozark School District. Depée replaces Doug Furtkamp, who will retire after 33 years of service to the district and community. Depée holds experience coaching football,
golf, track and basketball for Republic, Monett, and El Dorado Springs. 

"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the talented young golfers at Branson High School. My goal is to instill a love for the game, along with the values of discipline, sportsmanship, and resilience that golf teaches us," says Depée. 

Depée received both his Bachelor's and Master's degree from Southwest Baptist University. He will also teach physical education at Branson High School. Depée and his wife, Sheri, have one daughter, one son, and one step-daughter. 

Current Branson High School health teacher and assistant baseball coach, Luke Cheever, has been named the new head girls golf coach. With 13 years in education in the Colorado area, Cheever has held many roles, including physical education teacher, head baseball coach, and
assistant golf and basketball coach at the high school level. 

"My coaching philosophy centers around the comprehensive growth of each player, emphasizing skill development, confidence, and the importance of setting and achieving personal goals," says Cheever. 

Cheever will replace Tim Long who will retire after 29 years with Branson Schools. “Coach Long has put years into building this program, and I look forward to continuing his great work,” says Cheever. 

Cheever holds a Bachelor’s degree from Colorado Mesa University and a Masters of Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University - Irvine. He and his wife, Amanda, have two daughters.