Embry-Riddle men’s basketball Head Coach Steve Ridder has announced that 18-year coaching veteran Patrick O’Grady is set to join the Eagles as an assistant coach for the upcoming 2019-20 season. O’Grady joins Ridder and Chad Keller on the bench as the Eagles embark on their third season in the NCAA II and Sunshine State Conference.
“Patrick O’Grady brings a wealth of valuable experience to our staff and program,” Ridder said. “He possesses a great knowledge of the game, passion to teach and get players better, as well as strong administrative skills.
O’Grady comes to Embry-Riddle after a five-year stint at Daytona State where he served as an assistant coach, including four years alongside former Eagle and current Bethune-Cookman Head Coach Ryan Ridder. The Falcons went 114-40 (.740) during O’Grady’s five seasons, including four straight NJCAA Mid-Florida Conference titles. O’Grady was instrumental in recruiting and developing 21 all-conference players, including two that went on to become Eagles in Nashad Mackey and Alston Jones.
“I’m extremely honored that Coach Ridder is entrusting me to join the Embry-Riddle Family,” O’Grady said. “I will do everything I can to assist Coach Ridder and Coach Keller as we continue to develop our players at the highest level.”
Prior to DSC, O’Grady was the Head Coach at Tennessee Temple from 2007-09, helping the Crusaders transition to NAIA I. O’Grady, who also served as an assistant athletic director at TTU, recruited All-Region freshman Rokas Gricius to the Crusaders and his team ranked third in the conference in field goal percentage and second in three-point field goal percentage.
Before and after his stint at TTU, O’Grady spent time in the high school ranks, coaching at Matanzas High School (2010-13), Southland High School (2002-07), Heritage High School (2001-02) and Gateway High School (2000-01). At each stop O’Grady was instrumental in improving those programs, racking up numerous program-best seasons, big turnarounds and graduating numerous student-athletes that went on to play at the four-year college level, including three NCAA I athletes.
“Coach O’Grady has had the opportunity to coach both at the high school and college levels,” Ridder said. “He is well connected and can provide a serious contribution in our recruiting efforts and overall relationship building within our community and the state of Florida.”
A 2000 graduate of Clearwater Christian, O’Grady played for a Cougars team that went 78-38 during his playing career, notching three consecutive conference championships and made three appearances in the regional tournament championship game. O’Grady served as team captain during his junior and senior seasons.
“Our players will absolutely benefit from his mentorship and positive influence in development to reach their maximum potential in all areas of their lives as a Student, Person and Player,” Ridder continued.”
O’Grady graduated from St. Cloud High School in 1994, playing alongside Keller for a season in 1992-93 with the Bulldogs.
O’Grady earned his bachelor’s degree in Humanities from Clearwater Christian and his Master’s in Sports Management from Southern New Hampshire University. He resides in Flagler Beach with his wife Lisa, children Savannah and Patrick John, and godson Malachi.
“Coach O’Grady will be a valuable asset to our basketball program and university. I am very excited to have him and his family to join the Eagle basketball program,” Ridder said.”
Story Courtesy: By: Ryan Mosher | @ryan_mosher
