USA Track & Field is deeply saddened to share the passing of Steve Miller – a Hall of Fame coach, administrator, global sports executive, and former Chairman of the USATF Board of Directors – who died on June 15 at the age of 81.
Steve Miller was far more than a list of career accomplishments. He was a mentor, visionary, leader, and friend whose legacy is etched into the very foundation of American track and field. His impact was felt by thousands – from high school athletes finding their path, to Olympians chasing greatness, to fellow executives shaping the future of sport.
From his early days as a standout multi-sport athlete at Niles East High School in Skokie, Illinois, to his induction into Bradley University’s Athletics Hall of Fame, Steve’s life was fueled by an extraordinary passion for athletics. But it was in his role as a coach and leader where he truly changed lives.
At Bloom Township High School, where he began his coaching career in 1965, Steve built one of the most successful high school track and field programs in the country. Under his guidance, dozens of young athletes made it to the state championships, and several broke state and national records. His coaching career then spanned every level of sport – from leading Cal Poly to multiple national championships and earning five National Coach of the Year honors, to elevating Kansas State University’s athletic program as both coach and athletic director.
Miller also brought his passion, precision and relentless excellence to the global stage. At Nike, he helped define modern sports marketing and played a central role in the company’s involvement in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He also brought his leadership to the Professional Bowlers Association and later the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education – always driven by a belief in the power of sport to inspire and uplift.
Perhaps nowhere was his leadership felt more profoundly in recent years than at USATF. Joining the Board in 2009 and becoming Chairman in 2015, Steve provided steady, strategic direction during times of both challenge and opportunity. He helped guide the organization with clarity, experience, and heart – ensuring that the voices of athletes were heard and that the sport was positioned for future generations.
Miller’s contributions helped shape the trajectory of USATF, and his belief in athlete-first leadership continues to inform how we grow the sport today. He was a true leader whose influence transcended titles, whose mentorship created leaders, and whose kindness left a lasting mark on all who knew him. Steve Miller will be deeply missed – but his spirit lives on in the communities he built, the athletes he guided, and the sport he loved.
He is survived by his beloved wife Suzanne and their children, Claudine and Cristopher.
Quotes from friends, colleagues, and athletes:
USATF CEO Max Siegel:
“Steve Miller was a visionary, a mentor, and a true leader whose impact on our sport and our organization will be felt for generations. Serving with him on the USATF Board and later working alongside him as CEO, I witnessed his passion, strategic brilliance, and deep commitment to athletes. We have lost a giant – not just in track and field, but in the broader world of sport. I will deeply miss his wisdom, his friendship, and his unwavering belief in the power of sport to transform lives.”
USATF COO Renee Chube Washington:
“Steve Miller brought a rare combination of intellect, vision, and integrity to every aspect of his work. He pushed us to think boldly, lead with purpose, and always prioritize the needs of athletes. His leadership helped shape the direction of USATF, and his influence on our organization will surely endure for many years to come. We mourn the loss of a remarkable leader and dear friend.”
Olympian and former USATF President and Chair Stephanie Hightower:
“Steve Miller will always be a tangible reminder of the power of leadership rooted in purpose. His impact and presence will be felt throughout US and World Athletics for years to come. It was an honor to serve with him and call him my Brother. RIP my Friend.”
Renowned track and field coach Bobby Kersee:
“My heart is heavy today as I say goodbye to my dear friend and brother, Steve Miller.Steve was a man who genuinely cared about people and used his influence to lift others up. I have known him since his coaching days at Kansas State and was so proud of his groundbreaking work at Nike. Steve’s impact on athletics is immeasurable.
What I’ll remember most is the man behind the accomplishments. Steve gave me invaluable guidance and support, especially with my philanthropic work. His wisdom wasn’t just about sports—it was about life, leadership, and legacy.
To the Miller family, please know that Steve has touched countless lives, and his legacy will continue through all the athletes, coaches, and friends he impacted along the way.
Rest in peace, My friend. Thank you for everything.”
Legendary track and field coach Cliff Rovelto:
“Our coaching community both mourns the loss and celebrates the career of Coach Steve Miller. Coach Miller wore many hats throughout his illustrious career as a successful businessman, administrator, teacher, and coach. Steve served two terms on the USATF Board of Directors representing the Coaches Advisory Committee. Coach was honored to represent our committee on the board because at his core he viewed himself first as a coach and educator. As a coach, Steve impacted literally thousands of athletes at the high school, collegiate and professional levels of our sport. He developed championship teams and individuals at every step of his career. His coaching tree reads as a who's who of track and filed in the United States. Steve Miller's impact on our coaching community is immeasurable. As a mentor of many, coach impacted us with his passion, intellect, work ethic and sense of humor. Quite simply, Steve Miller was a coaches' coach.”