Jim Ricci joined Rider University as an assistant coach in May of 2025 and has been a key member of Jackie Hartzell’s staff, contributing to the continued growth and success of the program across multiple collegiate stops.
In his first season at Rider, Ricci has played an important role in the program’s continued development, including the growth of Aliya McIver, who earned MAAC All-Defensive Team honors after recording 64 steals on the season, including 46 in conference play. His work in player development has been a key part of the staff’s early foundation at Rider.
Ricci previously worked alongside Hartzell at Arcadia University, where he was part of a staff that guided the Knights to a program-record win total and the program’s first-ever appearance in a conference championship game while establishing one of the top programs in the conference.
Prior to Arcadia, Ricci spent the 2022-23 season as an assistant coach at the University of Pennsylvania, helping guide the Quakers to a 17-12 record, an Ivy League Tournament appearance, and a berth in the WNIT.
Before Penn, Ricci spent seven seasons alongside Hartzell at the University of the Sciences, where he was part of the core staff during one of the most successful eras in program history. The Devils compiled a 168-48 record during that span, consistently competing at the top of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) while winning five South Division titles and three CACC Tournament championships (2017, 2018, and 2022). USciences reached five consecutive NCAA Tournaments from 2017–2022, winning multiple NCAA Tournament games and advancing to the program’s first NCAA Division II Sweet 16 and East Region Final.
Ricci also brings extensive head coaching experience at the high school level. He spent seven seasons as head coach at Archbishop Wood High School, where he led the program to three consecutive PIAA Class 3A State Championships from 2010–2012. During his tenure, he compiled a 152-48 record, was named Pennsylvania Associated Press Coach of the Year in 2010 and 2012. In 2011, he guided his team to the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship as well as the District XII Title. His teams reached the PCL Championship game in six of seven seasons and produced eight All-State selections and 24 All-Catholic honorees.
Prior to his time at Archbishop Wood, Ricci spent 24 seasons as head coach at St. Matthew’s in Northeast Philadelphia, where he accumulated a 552-122 record. His teams won five Philadelphia Archdiocesan City titles, a Middle Atlantic States Championship, and six Philadelphia Region 1 League championships while making four Pennsylvania State Final Four appearances.
Known for his expertise in the Princeton-style offensive system, Ricci brings a disciplined, detail-oriented approach to offensive structure, spacing, and player development. His ability to teach concepts and build high-IQ offensive execution has been a consistent strength throughout his coaching career.
A Philadelphia native, Ricci graduated from Father Judge High School before earning his bachelor’s degree from La Salle University.
