Steve Astor

Biography

Steve Astor, who brought over 20 years of coaching experience that spans over various sports and levels, was named the associate head coach in January 2023 as the first hire under head coach Jason Mansfield. Astor serves as the Wildcats’ defensive coordinator and primary lead for player development. With Astor leading the defense, three players have garnered all-conference honors: middle blocker Sydney Bolding, libero Mackenzie Morris, and most recently, libero Ella Larkin. Last season, the Wildcats' defense led the Big 12 and ranked 29th nationally with 16.75 digs per set, totaling 1,776 digs — the third-most in the conference. Individually, senior libero Ella Larkin ranked third in the Big 12 in both total digs (492) and digs per set (4.62), placing 51st and 71st nationally in those categories, respectively, while earning Second Team All-Big 12 honors. Middle blocker Brenna Schmidt averaged 1.04 blocks per set, tying for 10th in the conference. In 2023, Astor orchestrated a K-State defense that led the Big 12 Conference with an opponent attack percentage of .170, while the Cats were second in the Big 12 Conference in digs per set (15.24). K-State was fourth in the league in blocks per set (2.52) and sixth in total blocks (244.0). The Wildcats’ defense was led by starting libero Mackenzie Morris and middle blocker Sydney Bolding. Bolding became the program’s first-ever draft pick, as she was selected 11th overall by the Grand Rapids Rise in the inaugural Pro Volleyball Feder