THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Ponder ISD Athletics

Years Coaching: 12

Years in Ponder: 1

Other Schools Coached At: HF Stevens MS, Chisholm Trail MS, Northwest HS, Keller Central HS, and Bridgeport HS

Hometown: Haslet, TX

College: Nelson University (Formally known as Southwestern Assemblies of God University | SAGU), Waxahachie, TX

Wife: Meredith

Years Married: 13

Children: Grayson (4), Berkley 

Career Summary:

Coach Ryan Russell graduated from Northwest High School in Justin, TX in 2009. There he played four years on the varsity basketball team and received All-District honors in his Sophomore, Junior and Senior seasons. He went on to play in college at Southwestern Assemblies of God in Waxahachie, TX. In 2011, he was the recipient of the Champion of Character Award for SAGU's Athletic Program.

Coach Russell began his coaching career at Southwestern Assemblies of God University as the Associate Women’s Head Coach for the 2011-2012 season. From 2013-2021, he was on staff at Northwest High School where the Texans saw tremendous success. During his time at NHS, the program had three district championships, a trip to the regional final, and two state championship tournament appearances in Class 5A. Russell coached one season at 6A Keller Central, helping the Chargers to the regional quarterfinals and their best postseason run in school history. 

Coach Russell led the Bridgeport Bulls Basketball program for two seasons, more than doubling the team's win total from Year 1 to Year 2. In the second season, the team finished with a record of 13-22, 3-8 in District 8-4A play, and tied for 4th place.

Ryan Russell is in his first season with the Ponder Lions finished with a record of 23-12 and made it to the regional semifinals in the UIL State Playoffs. He is teaching Physics at Ponder HS as well as assisting with the Track program.

Coach Russell and his wife Meredith have been married for 13 years. They have a 4 year old son named Grayson and welcomed their daughter Berkley in April 2025.