Berry College athletics takes next step with new head coach for Men’s Basketball.
With the departure of former head coach, Mick Hedgepeth, heading to the University of Alabama in Huntsville (DII), the Vikings chose a familiar face to take over. Dr. Angel Mason, Director of Athletics at Berry College, is delighted to announce the appointment of Matthew Richter as the team’s new head coach.
“I want to thank Dr. Briggs and Dr. Mason, for entrusting me as the next head coach of the Men’s Basketball program.”
Says Head Coach Matthew Richter.
“Berry is a special place that I believe in deeply, and this position is a dream come true. The current and former student-athletes in our program have accomplished so much on and off the court, and I couldn’t be prouder to get the opportunity to continue to work with them.”
Richter has Served as the assistant men’s basketball coach for Berry since June of 2022 after rejoining the staff following his stint at Wabash College, where the Little Giants reached the DIII Final Four.
The Butler University undergraduate and Berry College MBA graduate has been a part of many impressive squads on the court. He has helped coach a team that finished 13-1 and was ranked 11th in the D3hoops poll that was also an SAA regular season and tournament champion while serving as a graduate assistant for the program.
Being a part of the program’s first-ever regular season SAA title in men’s basketball, once Richter returned in 2022 the success has continued to pile on as the Vikings went 14-0 in conference play and posted an overall record of 25-3.
Mason stated, “I am confident in Coach Richter. He has my trust and aligns with the values of our department. I believe in his growth over the last five years, which I have witnessed firsthand. He is the right person to continue the trajectory of this team.”
Since rejoining, the Vikings have had an overall record of 44-13 with two regular season conference championships, an SAA runner-up title, an SAA Champion title, and an NCAA appearance this season.
Richter says, “I’ve seen first-hand the potential of our program and am confident that we will continue to strive for excellence academically, athletically, and socially on campus and in our community. Most of all, I’m excited to get to work!”
He has coached CSC Academic All-District players, Two NABC All-District players, a D3hoops All-Region Player, Two-time SAA Defensive Player of the Year, and Two SAA Players of the Year along with many All-SAA Selections.
Richter will assume duties as the next Head Men’s Basketball coach immediately.
