After competing for the Findlay High School track and field team, Steph Kuhlman became a conference and national champion at Grand Valley State University. Kuhlman competed in the long jump at the state track meet for the Trojans in 2000, before becoming a star runner in the medium distance races. In 2003 she set Grand Valley State records in the 800-meter run and 4x800 relay during the indoor season. After winning the GLIAC outdoor 800 in 2:06.57, Kuhlman set an NCAA Division II 800 indoor record that stood for 13 years and then captured the Division II outdoor 800 championship. The following outdoor season, competing in the 1,500, she was crowned the GLIAC champion, followed by a 4th place finish (4:29.37) at the national meet.

She still holds GVSU 800 (2:05.75), 4x800 relay (9:02.82), distance medley relay (11:52.48) records. She was also a three-time Academic All-American. During her high school career, she advanced to state three times in sprints and the long jump. Kuhlman was inducted in the Grand Valley State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012. She is still a competitive athlete.