Missouri State University

DR. RHONDA RIDINGER
Field Hockey Coach, 1971-90
Inducted May 10, 1987

Dr. Rhonda Ridinger devoted 14 years to SMS as the head coach of the field hockey squad and compiled a career record of 221-61-18. Ridinger came to SMS after completing her doctorate at Ohio State and went on to lead the Bears to state titles in both track and field hockey. In 1979, she led the Bears to a perfect 18-0 record and a national championship.  Ridinger received numerous award for her coaching and teaching, including 1980 MAIAW All-Sports Coach of the Year and the first “Teaching in Excellence Award” from SMS. Ridinger was also selected as chairperson of the National Coaching Committee of the U.S.  Field Hockey Association and achieved a level one coaching certificate for the USFHA and an elite certification, which qualifies her to coach at Olympic developmental camps.  A native of Braddock, Pa., Ridinger graduated from Slippery Rock State College in 1970 and earned her master’s at the University of Arkansas in 1971.