Reed Ridder, a Daytona Beach native, has been appointed head coach of the Daytona State College men's basketball program, stepping into a role that promises to blend family tradition with a fresh vision for the Falcons.
Ridder arrives after a coaching journey that spans Georgia, Georgia Southern, UT Martin and Mercer, where he has honed a reputation for developing talent and shaping competitive teams.
A Family Affair in Daytona Beach
The Ridder lineage runs deep in local basketball; his father, Steve Ridder, has served as Embry-Riddle’s head coach since 1989, while his brother Ryan Ridder led Daytona State from 2013 to 2017, making Reed the third family member to guide the program at the highest level.
Before turning to the sidelines, Ridder played collegiately at Embry-Riddle under his father’s tutelage, an experience that forged his understanding of the game from a player’s perspective.
His coaching résumé includes stints that have brought him into contact with NBA All-Star Anthony Edwards and Chicago Bull Nicolas Claxton, moments he cites as pivotal in shaping his strategic outlook.
Building on a Winning Tradition
Daytona State has enjoyed nine 20‑win seasons since 2013, a benchmark Ridder intends to preserve while infusing the roster with seven transfers and two freshmen, reshaping the team to meet his competitive goals.
Having been in the position for nearly two months, Ridder emphasizes development both on the court and in the classroom, aiming to sustain the program’s academic and athletic reputation.