Former All-Patriot League standout Liz Ryan has made a triumphant return to the Boston University field hockey program, this time as an assistant coach. Head coach Sally Starr made the exciting announcement on Monday, welcoming Ryan back to the Terriers‘ coaching staff.
After graduating from BU, Ryan embarked on a journey that took her overseas to Ireland and England, where she played and coached field hockey. Most recently, she completed a master’s degree in sports performance and coaching from Dublin City University, further enhancing her knowledge and skills in the sport.
During her time at BU, Ryan was a standout player, receiving All-Patriot League and NFHCA All-Region honors in her senior year. She was also a member of the 2019-20 U.S. U-21 National Team, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport at a national level.
Coach Starr expressed her excitement about having Ryan back on campus, highlighting her passion for the game and her impressive coaching and playing resume. Starr described Ryan as a true Terrier – fast, feisty, and loyal – qualities that she believes will greatly benefit the current athletes in the program.
In addition to her playing and coaching experience, Ryan has also been actively pursuing coaching accreditations. She earned her International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey Academy Level 1 coaching accreditation through Hockey Ireland and is currently working towards her Level 2 verification through Hockey England.
Ryan’s time overseas saw her playing with the Catholic Institute Hockey Club (CIAC) in Ireland, where she helped the team achieve significant success, including finishing atop their league and winning the Division 1 Irish Senior Cup for the first time in club history. She also had the opportunity to compete in the Club European Championships in Alanya, Turkey with the CIAC squad.
Aside from her playing commitments, Ryan also took on coaching roles, serving as a hockey coordinator at Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ in Limerick, Ireland, and as a development coach for the Munster U21 team. She spent a year as a graduate hockey sports fellow at Oakham School in England, further honing her coaching skills and knowledge of the game.
Before her time at BU, Ryan excelled at Hoosick Falls High School in New York and started her collegiate career at Albany, where she helped the Great Danes reach the NCAA Tournament in 2018. She later transferred to BU in 2019 and earned a degree in international relations from the College of Arts & Sciences in 2021.
Overall, Liz Ryan’s return to the Boston University field hockey program as an assistant coach brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to the team. Her impressive playing career, coaching credentials, and commitment to the sport make her a valuable addition to the coaching staff, and her impact on the program is sure to be significant.