Rideout Takes Over Lady Bobcats Midseason
Paul Smiths, NY ~ Mercedes Rideout is the new head coach of the Paul Smith's College women's basketball team, a position she inherits upon the departure of her father, and former head coach, Brad Rideout, who has taken the head coach position at NCAA DIII Mary Baldwin University.
Rideout takes over a program that has seen a rebuild and resurgence over the past few seasons. Prior to 2022-2023, the Bobcats hadn't had a winning record in years. That season saw them go 14-11 with a berth in the Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) playoffs, with Rideout earning YSCC Coach of the Year honors. His daughter will look to continue the Bobcats on an upward trajectory.
"Stepping into the role of head coach is both an honor and an exciting challenge," said the younger Rideout.
The Bobcats are 30-30 overall in the past two-and-a-half seasons, and Rideout recognizes the groundwork her father has done to get the program to where it is today.
"This program was left in great hands, and I'm here to build on that foundation, continue our success, and guide these athletes to reach their full potential - both on and off the court," added Rideout.
The Bobcats were ranked as high as ninth in the nation in United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Women's Division II basketball rankings earlier this season. They enter the spring semester at 5-6, having played one of the toughest strength of schedules in the USCAA.
Paul Smith's College athletic director Zack Luzzi is both thankful for the job the outgoing Rideout has done, while confident in the abilities of the incoming Rideout.
"I'd like to thank coach Brad Rideout for everything he's done to get our women's basketball program to where it is today," said Luzzi.
"Having Mercedes come in to take over halfway through the season makes it an easy and natural transition. I can't wait to see what she can do with the team."
The Bobcats begin the second half of their season Saturday, January 11th at 1pm in South Portland, ME where they'll take on Southern Maine CC in YSCC league play.
You can follow the Bobcats on Instagram at @pscwomensbasketball or follow the general athletics account at @smitty_nation for scores, photoes, updates, and more!
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At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith's provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences, and natural resources. We can draw on industries and resources available in our backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive, and adventurous individuals collectively provides experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at www.paulsmiths.edu.