Southwestern College

Cody Ripato joined the Southwestern College men's basketball staff as an assistant coach in 2026, bringing a strong background in player development, scouting, and program operations. 

Prior to Southwestern, Ripato spent two seasons as a graduate assistant at LeTourneau University, where he played a key role in player skill development, scouting, game preparation, and the day-to-day operations of the YellowJackets program.

Ripato also brings valuable international coaching experience, having worked alongside head coach Matt O'Brien at the Paris World Games and in Barbados, where the staff guided its team to a gold medal. Known for his energy, work ethic, and commitment to developing student-athletes, Ripato has quickly established himself as one of the profession's rising young coaches and is expected to make an immediate impact on the Moundbuilders program in his first season.