Derrick Worrels, Head Coach

Coach Derrick Worrels returns for 2009/2010 which is his tenth year as the Hawks Head Men's Basketball Coach. Coach Worrels has led the Hawks to six out of eight state tournament appearances.

Coach Worrels began his coaching career as an assistant coach in 1989 at his alma mater under Coach Don Ducette. Coach Worrels then took a couple of years off to further his career before turning to HCC in 1994 as an assistant. In his playing days at Hillsborough Community College, Coach Worrels' record for two years was 45 and 16. Those years where highlighted by school records for 23 consecutive wins in a season, fewest losses ever in one season, most wins ever in one season and highest national ranking. After assisting the men's program for two years, Coach Worrels became the head women's basketball coach in the middle of the 1997-98 season and led the women to six consecutive victories. Coming full circle, he then took over the men's program in 1999-2000.

Coach Worrels graduated High School from the Tampa Bay area at H.B. Plant.
Coach Worrels is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Asheville, North Carolina with a degree in Business, and a Master's Degree from National Louis University in Psychology.

Neil Risher, Associate Head Men's Basketball Coach

Coach Neil Risher returns for his ninth season as the Associate Head Men’s Basketball Coach / Recruiting Coordinator with Head Coach Derrick Worrels. He serves as an instrumental part of recruiting, player development, scouting, strength training, and on-floor coaching. In the eight years Coach Risher has been at HCC, they have qualified for the Florida State Tournament 6 times and won their conference 3 times. 

Coach Risher graduated from Tampa Bay Technical High School in Tampa, FL. Neil was a 4 year letter winner at the high school level. From there he walked-on to the University of Nebraska- Lincoln for a year.Coach Risher joined HCC after spending numerous years in the high school and AAU ranks in the state of Florida. Coach Risher started his coaching career at Tampa Bay Technical High School.  In his 4 year at Tampa Bay Tech he helped led them to 3 regional finals berths and an overall record of 93-18. While he was busy in the high school ranks, Coach Risher decided to take on some summer coaching responsibility on the AAU circuit.  In the summer of 2000, Neil was the head coach of the Tampa Bay Wildcats 17-Under squad.  Its roster included 8 of its 9 players playing in the collegiate ranks.  In just a few short years of coaching in the high school, AAU, and JUCO ranks, Coach Risher has had the opportunity to recruit and coach over 20 players that have moved on to D1 schools, as well as over 10 players who have moved on to professional careers overseas or the NBA.Neil was born on March 23, 1978, in San Angelo, TX. He is a graduate of the University of South Florida with a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education, and a Master's Degree from Nova Southeastern University in Educational Leadership.  Neil is currently an Underage GED teacher at Robinson High School in Tampa, FL.