Riverdale Ridge celebrated its 2024 Class 5A softball championship with a ring ceremony last year.
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Ray Garza’s legendary coaching tenure at Riverdale Ridge High School has come to an end.
Garza announced on social media that he was stepping down as the head of the Ravens’ softball and baseball programs. He’s the only coach those programs have had.
“While it’s never easy to close a chapter that means so much, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to coach so many amazing student-athletes, to work alongside some dedicated families, and to represent a community that takes such pride in its teams,” Garza’s Meta post read. “I’m proud of what we built together — not just the wins, but the growth, resilience and memories that will last a lifetime.”
The Ravens won the state softball title in 2024 by beating Cherokee Trail 8-4. It was the second time in as many years that Riverdale Ridge advanced to the title game, and the first softball title in the school’s history.
Riverdale Ridge High School’s 2024 softball team captured the first state title in the sport last season with Head Coach Ray Garza at the helm.
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This season, the Ravens won the 4A/5A Rocky Mountain League title by going undefeated in 12 conference games.
RRHS finished 19-7 overall. The Ravens finished the season on a five-game win streak before losing in the first round of the 5A state playoffs to Fort Collins.
Riverdale Ridge softball coach Ray Garza is stepping down after leading the Ravens to unprecedented success, including a Class 5A softball state championship in 2024.
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“Thank you to every player who wore the uniform with heart, every assistant who gave their all and every supporter who stood behind us through every inning,” Garza’s post read. “Though my time as head coach has ended, my pride in these programs and players never will. Thank you for the memories and the growth — it’s been an honor.”
Garza’s lifetime record as the softball coach stands at 167-40. The Ravens finished above .500 in each of the last eight seasons.
Garza coached the baseball team for six seasons (there was no season in 2020 because of COVID). His teams won 114 games and lost 45. Garza also coached for Brighton High School for eight seasons.
“I look forward to what’s next and will always be cheering for these programs and the young people who continue to make them special,” Garza said.