Class of 2002
Sport: Soccer
Position: Forward
Jersey: #10
Athletic Accomplishments:
Ryan was one of the best strikers to have comethrough St. Mary’s men’s soccer program as well as anoutstanding scholar-athlete. He holds school and Capital AthleticConference (CAC) records for most career goals (67) and totalpoints (158). He was named to first team All-CAC four times;four-time National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)All-South Atlantic (Regional) All-American; St. Mary’s MaleAthlete of the Year and CAC Player of the Year for2001-02.
Career Highlights:
As a first-year, Ryan scored a hat trick in hisfirst collegiate game and was named CAC Player of the Week in onlyhis second week of play. Ryan was one of only three first-yearsselected for first team, All-CAC. He set a school single seasonrecord for shots (83); and tied the school single season record forassists (7). He was also the first Seahawk soccer player since 1983to be named to the NSCAA All-South Atlantic team. As a sophomore,he led the team with 87 shots and 4 game winning goals. He againtied the school record for single season assists (7); ranked 3rdall-time for single-season goals scored (24) at St. Mary’s;2nd in career assists (14); and 3rd in career points (62). He wasthe first Seahawk player to be selected to the NSCAA All-SouthAtlantic men’s soccer team for a second time. As a junior,Ryan was a team captain. He was the only multi-year NSCAA RegionalAll-American in St. Mary’s men’s soccer history. Herecorded his second and third hat tricks; tied single season assistrecord set same year by freshman forward Alun Oliver’04 (2010 Hall of Famer). He led the CAC inindividual goals per game and was named to CAC All-Academic Squad.As a senior he scored three more hat-tricks, tied the schoolsingle-season record for goals (15), and set the CAC single-seasonrecords for goals (32) and points (72). He also led the NCAA forDivisions I, II and III (1,000+ schools) in goals and points forthe 2001 season. He was the second Seahawk athlete to be featuredin Sports Illustrated’s “Face in theCrowd” after scoring a record 13 points (5 goals and 3assists) in a game versus Chowan in October 2001. He was named CACPlayer of the Year. Ryan was also the first St. Mary’sathlete named a Verizon Academic All-American.
Most Memorable Sports Experience at St.Mary’s:
“My most memorable moment at St. Mary’swas beating Washington & Lee (1-0) senior year. It was our 11thwin in a row, the 3rd nationally ranked team we had beaten duringthat streak, and the win allowed us to finish the regular seasonundefeated at home. That the victory came on senior day made iteven more special. I’ll always remember celebrating thatvictory with the 6 other seniors, great teammates and betterfriends. And having the rest of the student body turning out togames like they never had before, sitting along the track withtheir couches and lawn chairs was just icing on thecake!”
Most Missed:
“Other than the friendships and camaraderie, Imiss that rush of adrenaline and competition. There are veryfew opportunities to have those kinds of feelings after graduation.In fact, I still get those goose bumps every time I step foot onthe Seahawk stadium field.”
Words of Advice for Today’s SeahawkAthlete:
“The development of your time managementskills is vital to getting the most out of your St. Mary’sCollege experience. During the season: practice, games, and travelcompete for your time with homework and studying. It takes time tolearn how to prioritize and manage your time appropriately.However, it is the development of those skills that is sobeneficial to not only a student athlete’s success at St.Mary’s but also their life after graduation. In myexperience, the coaches at SMCM are extremely supportive andunderstand the importance of academics. My advice is to not beafraid to discuss any time management issues you’re havingwith your coaches and professors. “
Since St. Mary’s:
“I live in Montgomery Village, Maryland withmy wife Anya Olsen ’02 (a field hockey alum), our brand newdaughter Eila and our dog Pele. I currently work as an economistfor the U.S. Department of Transportation’s MaritimeAdministration in Washington, D.C. I’m also attending MountSt. Mary’s University and will receive my MBA in the summerof 2011.”
Involvement in Sports Today:
“After graduating from SMC, I played bothindoor and outdoor semi-professional soccer in the Washington, D.C.area. Currently, I play on a number of different teams in localindoor and outdoor leagues. Also, I would love to get into coachingsometime in the future.”
Other Thoughts/Memories:
“Playing soccer at SMC was one of the most rewardingexperiences of my life. I would encourage all current and potentialstudent athletes to really appreciate their participation inwhatever sport they’re competing in. Embrace it, enjoy it,and learn from it.”
