John Ryan - Head of Boys Lacrosse

John played pro lacrosse for the Long Island Lizards of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) in 2008 after returning from two tours as an U.S. Army officer in the Iraq War. He was also the captain of the Ireland National Team at the 2010 World Games, where he was named to the FIL President’s Team. 

John has coached at the youth, high school and college (at RPI) levels.

A New York native, John was a standout lacrosse and soccer player at the United States Military Academy, where he led the Black Knights lacrosse team to the NCAA Tournament in 2003.  In 2000, he was named Army Soccer’s Freshman of the Year.

In lacrosse, John played as a midfielder and was named the Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year, All-Conference First Team and Army’s Most Valuable Player in 2003.  He finished 6th in the country in ground balls that year and played in the highly acclaimed North/South All-Star game. He earned the Patriot League and team Rookie of the Year in 2000. 

In 52 games, John finished his college career ranking 5th in West Point history with 222 ground balls. John also recorded the second-highest single season ground ball total in history with 101 in 2003. Offensively, he collected 58 goals and 20 assists for 78 points. 

John served in the United States Army from 2003-08. A recipient of the 2006 Bronze Star, he served two tours in Iraq as a platoon leader before being honorably discharged as a captain. 

In the past, he was certified as an Army Master Fitness Trainer and by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

In high school, he played in the New York Empire State Games for the Adirondack Region for both lacrosse and soccer.

John holds a B.S. in Systems Engineering from  United States Military Academy at West Point and an M.S. in Journalism from Columbia University.