Ryan McClain
Courtesy of Muskingum Athletics
Muskingum University is excited to announce Ryan McClain as the institution’s new head coach for the women’s basketball team. McClain, a 2009 alum of Muskingum, returns to his roots equipped with a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to the development of student-athletes.
Over the past decade, McClain has successfully led multiple basketball programs, establishing winning cultures and transforming teams. Most recently, he was the head girls’ basketball coach at Marietta High School, where he compiled an impressive 59-12 record in three seasons. Under his leadership, the Tigers achieved back-to-back sectional titles, made several appearances in the Associated Press Poll, and ranked among the top 15 teams in the state for defensive scoring averages. His tenure included notable seasons during the 2022-23 and 2024-25 years, when Marietta recorded two of its four 20-win seasons ever. In recognition of his efforts, McClain was honored as the Marietta High School Girls Coach of the Year in 2024.
“Ryan has a powerful bond to Muskingum athletics as an alumnus and former student-athlete. His excitement to guide our women’s basketball program into the future is a powerful testament to his passion and drive that he brings to the sideline,” stated Muskingum’s Director of Athletics, Kari Winters. She also emphasized McClain’s ability to enhance the program’s recruitment efforts, noting his strong connections in regional and national basketball circles.
In his last season at Marietta, McClain’s team finished with a remarkable 20-3 record. Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, McClain mentioned, “I’m incredibly honored and excited to be named the head women’s basketball coach at Muskingum University — a place I proudly call home as an alum. This is a full-circle moment for me, and I’m committed to building something special here.” He highlighted his dedication to fostering relationships within the community and developing student-athletes both on and off the court.
Prior to his success at Marietta, McClain guided the basketball program at Benjamin Logan High School during the 2021-2022 season. There, he revitalized the team, achieving a 12-win improvement and setting new school records in categories such as defensive efficiency, steals, and three-point shooting. His efforts earned him the District 9 Division II Girls Basketball Coach of the Year accolade in 2022.
McClain’s coaching career also spans the boys’ basketball circuit. He notably served as the freshman boys coach and a varsity assistant at Jonathan Alder High School from 2019 to 2020, achieving a record of 15-5 and a runner-up finish in the CBC Freshman Tournament. Additionally, he led the junior varsity boys team at Fairbanks High School from 2016 to 2018, where he posted an impressive record of 40-4.
His coaching accomplishments have been well-recognized in 2025 alone, earning him several prestigious honors: the Southeast District Division III Girls Basketball Coach of the Year (AP/Media), District 13 Division II-IV Girls Basketball Coach of the Year (District 13 Coaches Association), and TSL Girls Basketball Coach of the Year.
A standout athlete in his own right, McClain was named Defensive MVP for the Muskingum football team in 2008. He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in business from Muskingum University.
