After 38 seasons and 606 wins, legendary Florida Tech women’s basketball head coach John Reynolds has announced his retirement.
Reynolds has been a part of the Panther program since its inception, starting off as an assistant in the inaugural season of 1986-87 and taking the helm the following year. He steps away leaving a legacy of success few programs have experienced over three-plus decades.
“First, I want to thank all of our alumni for the commitment and spirit they have left here and passed down to generations of teams I have been blessed to coach,” said Reynolds. “I am grateful for all the coaches and scholar-athletes I have had the chance to compete against for the last 39 years.”
Compiling a 606-451(.573) record in Melbourne, Reynolds finishes his career ranked 22nd all-time for most wins among Division II women’s basketball coaches and is the winningest coach in Florida Tech history, out of all programs.
“I want to thank Florida Tech for the opportunity and the support they have given me; I will forever be grateful for the opportunity that Bill Jurgens provided me all those years ago. To all the professors and staff I’ve worked with over the years, who have allowed me to be me, with the demands I have made on their time, I am grateful and thankful I have had the opportunity to meet and work with you.
“But mostly, I want to thank my children, especially my wife Gloria, for all the sacrifices they have made to allow me to do what I love.”
Under his guidance, the Panthers made nine NCAA Division II tournament appearances and one South Regional title and appeared in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight in 2002. Reynolds has led Florida Tech to five Sunshine State Conference regular season championships and 32 SSC Tournaments, including a streak of 20 straight appearances from 1988 to 2007. Florida Tech advanced to 10 SSC Tournament Championship games, winning four.
“Today, we celebrate the remarkable career of Coach John Reynolds, a true legend in our athletics program,” said Director of Athletics Jamie Joss. “After 38 seasons and 606 victories, his impact on Florida Tech women’s basketball is immeasurable.
Coach Reynolds has not only built a winning tradition, but he has also shaped the lives of countless scholar-athletes, inspiring them to reach their fullest potential both on and off the court. As we wish him well in his retirement, we recognize the profound legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of excellence, determination, and unwavering commitment to our scholar-athletes and the university. Thank you, Coach Reynolds, for your dedication and the countless memories you’ve created for our Panthers.”
Reynolds has been recognized for his work on the court by being selected SSC Coach of the Year five times (’92, ’93, ’97, ’02, ’07) and South Region Coach of the Year three times.
He has coached 62 All-SSC players, five SSC Freshman of the Year, four SSC Players of the Year, ten NCAA Division II All-South Region players, three NCAA Division II All-South Region Tournament players, seven NCAA Division II All-Americans and three Florida Tech Hall of Famers.
Four of Reynolds’ former players, Felicia Bell, Christine Ferron Keenan, Paulette King-Morin, and Sanja Radenkovic, were named to the SSC’s Silver Anniversary Team in 2007. The quartet helped Florida Tech place the most athletes on the team, out of any other school. King-Morin was chosen as the top SSC player of the first 25 years. Ferron Keenan, King-Morin, and Radenkovic are SSC Hall of Famers.
Florida Tech will begin a national search for the next head women’s basketball coach immediately.
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