Willie Ryder spent 10 years in the United States Marine Corps working in Communications and Information Technology in multiple different Leadership roles. He then went to work at Microsoft where he has been for over 21 years now working in Engineer, Manager, and Leadership roles.
Willie is very passionate about his personal and professional development and also helping others grow. Especially our next generation. He was an active member in Toastmasters for 8 years where he worked on his Communications and Leadership skills and has mentored many others in these areas.
Willie has been a year round youth basketball coach at www.YesICanBasketball.com for 20 years where he has had the wonderful opportunity to work with and coach 1000’s of kids of all ages. He spent 6 years regularly volunteering to speak about character traits and mentoring kids at the nearby public elementary schools. For going on 10 years now he has been a volunteer mentor with the nonprofit organization www.RightMovesForYouth.org where he tries to make a positive impact on some of the local High School students.
Willie has been married to Jennifer for 30 years. They have 2 daughters, a son, and a Siberian Husky. In his free time he enjoys spending time with family, Coaching youth basketball, Working out, Running, Reading, Mentoring, Traveling, Writing, Public Speaking, and attending Elevation Church.
Willie Ryder - A Dreamer on a Journey 
First basketball class today with YesICan and what an impressive leader. Coach Ryder was learning girls names and really encouraging their efforts. The motivational lesson he gave at the end was so inspiring and timely to a room full of middle school girls, my eyes flooded with tears. I would send my daughter to train with Coach Ryder for any sport, any day of the week. He is a gifted instructor!
Thank you so much for your feedback and kind words. I really appreciate them. Yes I Can Basketball is an amazing organization. I am very lucky to be a part of it and get to work with so many wonderful kids.