Strength and Conditioning Coach Darby Rich

Darby Rich joined Penny Hardaway’s staff at Memphis in June 2019 as strength and conditioning coach after serving in similar capacities at Oklahoma and Texas A&M.

Blake Griffin was selected first overall at the 2009 NBA draft from Oklahoma and James Wiseman and Precious Achiuwa were recruited at Texas A&M from there. Additionally, he assisted UL players in becoming more marketable to NBA teams.

Early Life and Education

Darby Rich has returned to Memphis and Penny Hardaway’s program after two years as strength coach of Texas Tech basketball in Lubbock. A former college player himself as well as staff member on nine NCAA Tournament teams, Rich brings nearly 30 years of experience to Memphis basketball.

Mary Darby was raised by Captain John Darby, an itinerant mercantile trader who frequently relocated their family due to failed business ventures. Mary grew up in a close-knit household where she became an early student; showing an affinity for melancholy poetry by age seven.

Pornchai and Darby met at Mercer University in March 2016. After conducting orientation together, becoming friends, and eventually starting dating during summer 2016, their love grew through Mercer/Duke basketball games, greek life functions, and Snapchats.

Professional Career

Darby is a partner at Sullivan & Worcester in Boston and provides advice to corporations and high-net-worth individuals on the tax implications associated with their business and real estate activities. Additionally, he assists clients in organizing their personal income tax and estate planning affairs.

Rich joined Penny Hardaway’s staff as strength and conditioning coach in June 2019. Prior to that, he served two seasons with Memphis before spending eight at Texas A&M where he helped develop nine NCAA Tournament teams as well as NBA draft selections like James Wiseman and Precious Achiuwa.

Darby has also made strides in her professional and charitable activities, supporting mental health advocacy initiatives and growing her net worth through this charitable work. With her popularity among reality TV enthusiasts and rising net worth, Darby is becoming increasingly well known.

Achievement and Honors

Rich is an Alabama alumni and strength coach on nine NCAA Tournament teams; prior to joining Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway’s staff as strength and conditioning coach in June 2019, he served in similar capacities at Oklahoma (2004-09) and South Carolina (1992-97).

Rich was instrumental in leading the Bearkats to their first Southland Conference title (in 2000) and highest ever win total for any Division I season (11 wins in 2001). Additionally, he helped train two McDonald’s All-Americans, James Wiseman and Precious Achiuwa.

His lifelong affinity and professional connection to Germany earned him one of its highest honors when the Federal Republic of Germany honored him with the Order of Merit award in 2021, for his contributions to the Ontario-Baden-Wurttemberg Student Exchange.

Personal Life

Darby has earned herself an influential presence with her genuine personality, business acumen, and charitable endeavors. She maintains an active presence in media coverage while growing her base of fans and followers.

Michael and she have become an inspiration to many as they demonstrate their devotion to one another while accepting all the challenges associated with being celebrity couples.

Martha Steward’s first book is an endearing tale about their adopted dog Darby and is designed as a teaching aid for parents who wish for their children to understand the responsibilities associated with pet ownership. Bangle Bears: The Tale of a Tailless Cat (a Mom’s Choice Awards Silver Recipient), about Bangle the Manx cat she adopted is another popular read; plans call for three more books detailing Martha’s experiences adopting animals.

Net Worth

Ashley Darby has quickly made her mark in reality TV and business ventures alike. Her excellent financial acumen enables her to save for future needs while building her brand through sponsorships and strategic brand collaborations.

Michael Darby is an acclaimed entrepreneur who has built up a significant fortune through real estate investments through Monument Realty and appears frequently in popular reality shows, such as Real Housewives of Potomac.

He has served as strength and conditioning coach on nine NCAA tournament teams and currently works with Penny Hardaway’s Memphis Grizzlies men’s basketball program as strength and conditioning coach. Under his tutelage are numerous high-profile players such as Blake Griffin (2009 first round NBA draft pick), Danuel House and Robert Williams – just to name a few!