Wildcats hire Ridder to lead hoops team
Bethune-Cookman has hired a coach with strong ties to the Daytona Beach community to help jumpstart the men’s basketball program.
B-CU athletics director Lynn Thompson named Ryan Ridder the program’s next coach Friday.
Ridder, a former Volusia County high school standout, spent the past four years at Daytona State College. He helped lead the resurgence of the Falcons program, producing 95 victories and four Mid-Florida Conference championships.
“I have watched and admired Ryan Ridder from his days as a stellar student-athlete in high school and college, and also witnessed his growth and success as a coach on the college level,” Thompson said. “I know him. I know his family. His DNA is made up of integrity, passion and the ability to teach. He is an outstanding servant leader who just happens to be a phenomenal basketball coach.”
Ridder is the son of legendary Embry-Riddle men’s basketball coach Steve Ridder and has worked as a basketball coach throughout the Southeast.
“I’m excited to serve and make a positive impact on our student-athletes on and off the floor,” Ryan Ridder said.
Ridder played for Ed Miller at Father Lopez High School, earning all-area accolades three times while recording more than 1,100 points and 300 assists.
After starting his collegiate career at Wooster before transferring back home to play for his father at Embry-Riddle from 2006-08. He was the starting at point guard and team captain his junior and senior seasons.
Ridder worked as an assistant coach at various schools before earning his master’s degree in sports management from California University of Pennsylvania in 2009.
During his tenure as the Daytona State head coach, Ridder mentored 17 all-conference players and his players averaged a 96 percent graduation rate.