Episode 174

Episode 175: Steve Ridder, Head Coach, Embry-Riddle University

Published on: 30th June, 2025

On this episode of the Rising Coaches Podcast, we’re joined by Coach Steve Ridder, the legendary head men’s basketball coach at Embry-Riddle University. Ridder took over the program in 1989 and has since built it from the ground up into a nationally recognized powerhouse. Before arriving at Embry-Riddle, he was an assistant coach at Berea Community High School in Kentucky. Under his leadership, Embry-Riddle won the NAIA National Championship in 2000 and made multiple deep national tournament runs. Ridder has earned over 700 career wins and countless Coach of the Year honors. He also led the transition of the program into NCAA Division II, continuing its tradition of excellence. In this episode we talk about changing a program from a losing program to a winning program, what he looks to instill in his players and coaches and staying loyal to a program for 36+ years.

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode
Show artwork for The Rising Coaches Podcast

About the Podcast

The Rising Coaches Podcast
From young assistants to head coaches, Rising Coaches sits down with some of the brightest minds in basketball to talk about their rise through the profession and what they are working on now.

About your host

Profile picture for Rich Czeslawski

Rich Czeslawski