The New Era Of Panthers Basketball: 7 Shocking Updates On Florida Tech's 2025-2026 Season And Coaching Revolution
The Florida Institute of Technology Panthers basketball program is undergoing a dramatic transformation, with the 2025-2026 season officially marking a new era defined by fresh leadership and a renewed competitive spirit in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC). As of December 19, 2025, the men's team is actively competing, showing early promise under a new head coach, while the women's program has also welcomed a first-year leader, signaling a complete overhaul of the coaching staff for both programs. This article dives deep into the most current updates, profiles the new leaders, and explores the history making the Panthers a must-watch in NCAA Division II basketball.
The changes are not just on the sidelines; they represent a fundamental shift in strategy and culture for Florida Tech basketball, aiming to move past the challenging 2024-2025 campaign where the men's team finished 6-22 (3-17 Conf) and the women's team posted a 7-19 record (4-16 Conf). The excitement around the Charles and Ruth Clemente Center is palpable, driven by the recent appointments and the infusion of new talent on the rosters.
The New Leadership: Complete Biography Profiles of Florida Tech’s Head Coaches
The biggest news surrounding the Florida Tech Panthers for the 2025-2026 season is the appointment of two new head coaches, bringing a fresh perspective and energy to both the men's and women's basketball programs. These recent hires are pivotal to the future success of the *Florida Institute of Technology basketball* teams.
Men’s Head Coach: Will Murphy
- Full Name: Will Murphy
- Appointment Date: April 2025
- Program Role: 12th Head Coach in Florida Tech Men's Basketball History
- Coaching History at Florida Tech:
- Director of Basketball Operations (Hired 2017)
- Assistant Coach (Elevated 2017)
- Associate Head Coach (Elevated August 2023)
- Background: Murphy has been an integral part of the Panthers program for nearly a decade, culminating in his promotion to the top job. His deep institutional knowledge and long-standing commitment to the program make him a powerful choice to lead the next chapter of *Panthers basketball*.
- Current Status: Leading the men's team through the start of the 2025-2026 season.
Women’s Head Coach: Ashley Raley-Ross
- Full Name: Ashley Raley-Ross
- Appointment Status: Named Head Coach by Director of Athletics Jamie Joss
- Program Role: Head Women's Basketball Coach
- Background: The 2025-2026 season marks her first season leading the women's program. Her appointment signals a clean slate for the *Florida Tech women's basketball* team, with a focus on building a new foundation for success within the highly competitive *Sunshine State Conference*.
- Coaching Staff: She is joined by Assistant Coaches Tia McMillian and Jonathan Castillo.
2025-2026 Season Outlook and Roster Highlights
The current season is already proving to be a compelling watch, particularly for the men's team. The *Florida Tech Panthers* compete in the NCAA Division II and are a core member of the Sunshine State Conference, one of the toughest leagues in the country.
Men's Basketball Current Status (as of December 2025)
The men's team is off to a promising start under Coach Murphy. As of December 20, 2025, the team holds an impressive overall record of 5-5, including a 2-2 mark in conference play. This early success demonstrates an immediate positive impact from the coaching change, suggesting a significant improvement over the previous year's 6-22 final record.
Key Players and Roster Entities:
The roster for the 2025-2026 season features a mix of returning talent and new recruits, providing depth and versatility. Notable players to watch include:
- Xavier Ford-Belton (Guard): A 6'6" Guard, a key presence on the court.
- Greyson Williams (Point Guard): A 5'8" Point Guard, likely to be a primary ball-handler.
- Ty (Guard): A 6'3" Guard, providing scoring and defensive support.
- Max Polk (Guard): A key returner who appeared in all 28 games the previous season, totaling 165 points, 45 rebounds, 32 assists, and 17 steals.
Women's Basketball Season Preparation
The *Florida Tech women's basketball* team, led by Coach Raley-Ross, has announced a 28-game schedule for the 2025-2026 season. The focus in this first-year campaign is on establishing a new system and developing the talent of the current roster, which features players like Forward Michaela Medico and Guard Sydney Logsdon.
A Legacy of Excellence: Florida Tech's Notable Achievements and Alumni
While the focus is on the future, the *Florida Institute of Technology basketball* program, founded in 1958, has a rich history of producing talented athletes and memorable moments that contribute to its topical authority. The team colors, crimson and grey, represent a long-standing tradition of academic and athletic pursuit.
Panther Legends and Hall of Famers
The program has seen several players achieve significant success both during and after their time at Florida Tech. These former players serve as inspiration for the current roster competing at the *Clemente Center*.
- Davon Kelly: A men's basketball standout from 1987-1990, Kelly was inducted into the Florida Tech Sports Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a program legend.
- Brandon Palmer: Played two seasons (1997-1999) and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016, highlighting his impact during his tenure.
Professional Success Overseas: Chris Carter
One of the most recent and notable success stories is Chris Carter, who graduated in 2015. Carter has achieved significant professional success overseas, adding multiple championship trophies to his resume and showcasing the program's ability to develop professional-level talent. His journey is a testament to the quality of the *Division II basketball* experience at Florida Tech.
The Sunshine State Conference Challenge
Competing in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) means the Panthers face elite-level *NCAA Division II basketball* competition every night. The SSC is consistently ranked as one of the most challenging conferences in the nation. Success in this league is a true measure of a team's strength and is the ultimate goal for both Coach Murphy and Coach Raley-Ross.
The current 2025-2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory for *Florida Tech basketball*. With two new head coaches—Will Murphy, a familiar face with a new mandate, and Ashley Raley-Ross, bringing a fresh perspective—the Panthers are poised to redefine their identity. Fans and followers of the *Florida Institute of Technology* are eagerly watching to see how this new leadership will translate into success on the court and a return to the competitive heights of the SSC.
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