Stephanie McLaughlin Kalbfleisch ’91 is the current owner and club director of Fort Worth Fire Volleyball Club. She and her husband Jeff Kalbfleisch’90 started Fort Worth Fire in the summer of 2013 when they saw a need for an affordable club volleyball program on the southwest side of Fort Worth. They have always had a passion for helping young athletes. She has been a coach for over 20 years and was a volunteer volleyball/basketball coach for the Benbrook YMCA for 3 years. She taught at Southwest Christian School in Benbrook Texas as an art teacher, volleyball/ basketball coach for 16 years and served part of that time as an athletic director.

Wesleyan Coach Beth Palmer recruited Stephanie to play basketball from Iowa. Iowa was one of the last states to play girls 6 on 6. Knowing Stephanie played volleyball as well and was an All-State volleyball player and All-State basketball player, it was a perfect mix for her to play both sports at Texas Wesleyan due to Head Volleyball Coach Becky Hughes and Head Basketball Coach Beth Palmer working together.

Stephanie played college volleyball and basketball at Texas Wesleyan University all four years and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management. While at Wesleyan, Stephanie participated on the volleyball team made three NAIA volleyball national appearances. Stephanie was a two-year All-American volleyball player and was selected on the 1st Team All-Tournament Nationals Team in volleyball and All-Conference and All-District teams in basketball.

She has been married for 24 years, has two children, and loves outdoor activities. Stephanie is also an active member of Trinity Bible Church in Willow Park and enjoys serving at Beautiful Feet Ministries and supporting Grace House Ministries in Weatherford, Texas. 

The Alumni Medal Dinner is at the Fort Worth Club on Friday, Oct. 13. The reception begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and a program at 7 p.m.

The event is open to all alumni, friends and faculty and staff, and tickets are $60 per person. Register online by Oct. 7. For questions, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 817-531-7523 or alumni@txwes.edu.