Ryan Returns to Michigan as Graduate Assistant
7/31/2018 10:40:00 AM | Women's Basketball
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan women's basketball head coach Kim Barnes Arico announced the addition of former Wolverine Jenny Ryan as the program's graduate assistant on Tuesday (July 31).
"Jenny Ryan is one of the greatest players I have had the opportunity to coach throughout my career," Barnes Arico said. "It wasn't because she was the most talented player, but it was everything else she brought to our program on a daily basis, whether it was her leadership, her work ethic or her basketball skill. She is a tremendous competitor who has a great love for Michigan. She knows what the Michigan difference truly means. She had an opportunity to intern in admissions here before going out in the work force the last few years. We can't wait to have her help us in every facet of our program. She brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm while always willing to help wherever she is needed. I am thrilled to have a Michigan woman like her back in our program."
"I loved competing at Michigan as a student-athlete," Ryan said. "I am grateful to be given the opportunity to come back to work in the women's basketball program and get my master's degree at such an elite university. Coach Arico has this team ready to win championships, and I am thrilled to be a part of it and contribute in any way I can."
Ryan was a standout for the Wolverines from 2010-13, helping U-M to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances in 2012 and 2013. She graduated as Michigan's all-time leader in games (130) and minutes played (4,558), along with ranking second in assists (489). She still ranks in the top 10 of those categories, with her 698 career boards ranking 12th in U-M history. As a senior under Barnes Arico, Ryan averaged 10.2 points, 5.1 assists and 4.2 rebounds in 37 minutes per game en route to All-Big Ten third team honors. Â Ryan was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, while earning a spot on the 2013 CoSIDA/Capital One Academic All-District first team. She is the only player in school history to be named a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar three times (2011-13) and graduated with a degree in communications.
Ryan spent a year working with the admissions office at Michigan (2013-14) before joining Stryker as a research and development project manager working on new projects for the last four years.
Ryan will be pursuing a master's degree in sport management during her time serving as graduate assistant.
