USTFCCCA Coaches Hall of Fame Member Steve Miller Passes Away

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SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Cal Poly Athletics is deeply saddened to announce the passing of former Cross Country and Track & Field head coach Steve Miller, a legendary figure whose visionary leadership, tireless dedication, and transformative impact helped shape generations of Mustang student-athletes.

Miller passed away peacefully at his Portland, Ore. home surrounded by family on June 15, 2025.

During his standout coaching career at Cal Poly, Miller established himself as one of the most respected and successful coaches in the history of collegiate athletics. He led the Mustangs to five NCAA Division II national championship titles (three in track and field and two in cross country), and eight California Collegiate Athletic Association titles (four in track and field and four in cross country). He was inducted into the Cal Poly Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998.

Miller was later inducted into the USTFCCCA Coaches Hall of Fame in 2005.

“There are constants in this world and there are variables, but Coach Miller was a constant, always there for us both on and off the track” said John Capriotti, who ran for and coached with Miller. “What I wouldn’t give for one more conversation with him. He was like a second father to me as well as many others I’m sure.”

Arriving in 1976 from Bloom Township High School in Chicago Heights, Illinois, Miller coached several All-Americans and NCAA champions including Cal Poly Athletics Hall of Famer Jim Schankel, an eight-time national champion, and Joe Siai Siai, the school record holder in the 200 meters and 110-meter hurdles. Named NCAA National Coach of the Year five times in his career, Miller would later become the head coach at Kansas State, where he coached the Wildcats for five years and served as Athletic Director for three years.

“As great of a coach that he was, getting the most out of his athletes, his greatest gift was making us all better people,” said Manny Bautista, who ran for and coached with Miller.

In 2000, Steve retired from Nike as Director of Global Sports Marketing and joined the Professional Bowlers Association as its President and CEO. Steve also sat on the Board of Directors of the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation and the Warsaw School of Sports Marketing at the University of Oregon.

“Steve Miller was one of the first people I met when I joined Cal Poly in 2012, and from that moment, I saw his boundless love for this university,” said Senior Associate Athletic Director of Development and Capital Projects Ashley Offermann. “He poured his heart into supporting our student-athletes and shaping the spirit of Cal Poly Athletics.”

Starting in 2011, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of Agassi Graf Holdings. He was responsible for the leadership and operation of three for-profit entities (Agassi Graf Holdings, Agassi Ventures LLC, and Steffi Graf Ventures LLC) plus one non-profit foundation (Andre Agassi Foundation for Education).

Steve Miller’s influence on the world of sport was wide-ranging, but his roots at Cal Poly remained close to his heart. He was a leading donor on the Miller & Capriotti Athletics Complex in 2018 that elevated Cal Poly Track & Field to having one of the best facilities in the country.

“Over the past decade, his vision transformed our program, leading the renovation of the Miller–Capriotti Athletics Complex, the creation of Doerr Family Field, and establishing scholarships that will support generations of Mustangs,” Offermann added. “He also played a pivotal role in bringing in Ryan Vanhoy as Director of Track & Field / Cross Country. More than a colleague, Steve was a mentor and guiding light. For nearly 50 years, he bled green and gold, and his impact will live on in every athlete, coach, and fan who calls Cal Poly home. Thank you, Steve. You will be deeply missed.”

Miller is survived by his wife and two children along with a vast community of former athletes, colleagues, and friends who mourn his loss and celebrate his extraordinary life.