Dr. Mary Ridgway begins her fifth year directing the Lady Mavs. She has compiled an impressive record of 182-58 in her first four seasons, capturing the state championship three times, placing third last year, and earning three national tournament berths.
In her first year, the Mavs finished 45-15, following that with a 46-12 mark the next season. The team finished 50-10 in her third year and was 41-22 last year. Ridgway's clubs finished ninth nationally in 1976 and 1978 after taking regional runner-up laurels both years. In 1979, UTA was eighth nationally following another regional runner-up finish. Her 1977 edition placed fifth regionally.
Ridgway attended Eastern Hills High School in Fort Worth, earned her bachelor's degree at North Texas State and received both the master's and Ph. D. at Texas Woman's University. She coached tennis and taught physical education for five years in the Fort Worth public schools before spending four years at TWU as tennis coach and instructor. After one year at Weatherford College as tennis coach, Ridgway came to UTA, where she is an assistant professor of physical education in addition to her coaching duties.
Having competed in nine USVBA national open tournaments, she earned All-American honors during the 1977-78 season. She participated in volleyball, basketball and bowling in college while also seeing open competition in volleyball, softball and tennis.
Ridgway has also officiated in five AIAW national collegiate volleyball tournaments. It was through playing and officiating that she became interested in coaching volleyball.
During the summer of 1979, Ridgway served as manager of the United States volleyball team at the World University Games in Mexico City.
