Ripley arrives at Merrimack after three seasons as an assistant coach of the Drexel University Dragons. He brings extensive experience in coaching and recruiting at the collegiate and high school levels. Before his time at Drexel (2023-26), Ripley served as the head swimming coach at Chowan University (2021-22) and assistant coach at Saint Leo University (2018-21). Ripley also coached at the high school level and worked individually with swimmers through private instruction.

Ripley graduated from Towson University with a bachelor's degree in sport management and a minor in business administration. A four-year letter winner for the Tigers' swimming and diving program, Ripley earned the Tiger Spirit Award during his collegiate career. He also represented student-athletes on the Towson University Intercollegiate Athletic Committee and served on the Towson Student-Athlete Advisory Council, including one year as vice president. Ripley later earned his Master of Business Administration from Saint Leo University in 2021.