Steve Pepper began his basketball career at Lambton College as a player and continued later as a coach. During his four year playing career he served as team captain for two years and was voted the college's Varsity Athlete of the Year in the 1990-91 season.

He was also a Division II silver medalist, Championship All-Star and part of the team that broke a three-point record.

Pepper joined the coaching staff as an assistant coach right after his playing days for the Lions were done.

After two years as assistant he was promoted to the position of head coach, which he held for 18 years. During his time as coach he was named the OCAA West Division Coach of the Year twice.