Dec. 15, 2011

Kansas City, Kan. - Head coach Sue Ryan of the Stony Brook women's soccer team was named the 2011 recipient of the NSCAA Women's Committee Award of Excellence, as announced Thursday. The award recognizes those who have brought honor and distinction to women's soccer.

In 27 years as head coach of the Seawolves, Ryan has compiled 195 career wins and has led the team to nine postseason appearances, including two trips to the America East finals. Off the field, several of her players have achieved success in the classroom and have been named to the America East honor roll and NSCAA All-Northeast Region team, while numerous squads have received the NSCAA Team Academic Award.

In addition to her duties with the Seawolves, Ryan also serves as head coach of the Region I Girls Olympic Development Program (ODP) and has worked with the U-17 U.S. Women's National Team as an assistant coach. Ryan holds National and Advanced National diplomas from the NSCAA and is one of the few female coaches in the nation to earn the USSF "A" license.

"There are a few words that come to mind when I think of Sue: mentor, coach, friend, humility, grace, substance, and salt of the earth," associate head coach Steve Welham told the NSCAA. "She is not just someone who has excelled at the international and collegiate levels, but she has done so at the grass roots level of the game as well."

Ryan is the 13th recipient of the award since it was established in 1999. Past honorees include Michelle Akers (2000), formerly of the United States National Team, Anson Dorrance (2006), head coach at the University of North Carolina, and Tony DiCicco (2008), former head coach of the United States National Team.

Ryan will receive the award at the NSCAA Women's Soccer Breakfast on Jan. 14 as part of the 2012 NSCAA Convention in Kansas City, Mo.