Steve Aldridge Joins University of North Dakota Men’s Basketball Coaching Staff

Steve Aldridge of Western State is joining UND as assistant coach for 2022-2023 season as team captain and Western State alumni.

Before joining Wunderman Thompson, he co-founded Partners Andrews Aldridge (which later was sold to Engine) and served as its ECD until 2017. Additionally, he sits on the National Association of Independent Schools Sports Information Directors board of directors.

Early Life and Education

Steve was a member of Gospel Light Baptist Church in Sugar Land, Texas. He enjoyed golf and was an ardent Longhorn fan. Additionally, Steve enjoyed boating around Lake Travis and summer camping with friends in Ruidoso.

Aldridge earned his master’s degree in Sports Management/Marketing at Union University. Since 2000, he has served as Sports Information Director. Additionally, Aldridge worked as Box Office Manager of West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx double-A baseball club located in Jackson Tennessee.

Aldridge is actively engaged in her local community as both a birth and postpartum doula and as a member of Birthwell Partners – a collective of Birmingham doulas.

Professional Career

After graduating Union, Aldridge launched his professional career with the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx of Jackson, Tennessee – an double-A baseball club. Additionally, he did football and basketball play-by-play work for a local radio station.

Aldridge became a regular at Oxford United, helping them avoid relegation while reaching the final of the League Cup at Wembley Stadium. Following his tenure with Oxford United, Aldridge signed for Tranmere Rovers for PS250,000 a few months later.

He currently serves as Union University’s sports information director, overseeing all aspects of media and marketing. He has won multiple awards at both university and conference levels and currently holds the role of NAIA Division II Baseball SID National Media Coordinator & South Region Chair.

Achievement and Honors

Tranmere saw top-six finishes in 1993, 1994 and 1995 thanks to his goalscoring feats; reaching the League Cup semi-finals each time and narrowly missing out to eventual competition winners Aston Villa on penalties.

Aldridge quickly earned fan recognition wherever he played, as evidenced by Liverpool’s official website poll conducted in 2006 which placed him 26th out of 100 Players Who Shook The Kop list.

Outside the world of football, Aldridge is also a former naval officer who served on several US Navy vessels, such as the USS BARRY and USS TRUMAN. At Western State he works as both assistant men’s basketball coach and adjunct instructor in Physical Education, Wellness and Sport.

Personal Life

Aldridge was an active member of his community, volunteering his time for many local organizations and charities. Additionally, he enjoyed golfing, baseball and was an ardent Longhorns fan – as well as being a dedicated family man.

Captain Aldridge served at sea as Reactor Mechanical Division Officer aboard USS BARRY and Operations Officer aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN respectively, receiving numerous unit commendations, campaign medals and service ribbons in recognition of these duties.

Ken Aldridge and Amy have been staunch supporters of JDRF ever since their daughter Laura was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a teenager, followed by Steve being diagnosed as an adult. Additionally, their family owns multiple businesses within their region.

Net Worth

Aldridge currently owns and operates Olde World Canterbury Village in Lake Orion, Michigan – a festive store featuring more than a dozen specialty shops as well as year-round family attractions. Aldridge has conducted drum clinics for several bands including Motorhead, House of Lords, Yngwie Malmsteen, and John Sykes.

Ireland national football team for over a decade. He scored 19 goals across those matches; however, after the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 he withdrew from playing in their Euro 92 qualifying match against Spain, as it had become impossible for him to travel back. Following this stint at Real Sociedad for brief period he returned home where he became player-manager of Tranmere Rovers; also an occasional pundit on Radio City 96.7 summarising Liverpool home and away commentaries.