Ames — Iowa State senior guard Emily Ryan has been recognized for her outstanding performance and potential as she was one of just 19 NCAA women’s basketball players invited to the prestigious Above the Rim Summit at the Women’s Final Four in Tampa. This exciting event, hosted by the NCAA’s leadership development team, took place over four days and aimed at providing a wealth of knowledge to student-athletes looking to transition into the professional world.
The summit featured interactive sessions and workshops focused on assisting athletes like Ryan in navigating potential career paths in the WNBA and beyond. Ashley Jocelyn, the assistant director of leadership development, explained that the initiative was designed to help these athletes forge a successful future not just in sports, but in their professional lives after college.
Topics covered during the summit included important aspects such as The Environment You Keep, which focuses on building solid relationships and the significance of networking; Start with the Seed, emphasizing the need to establish core values; Water and Nourish You, about taking steps toward achieving goals; and Bloom Big, about maximizing success after establishing a solid foundation.
Ryan expressed her appreciation for the chance to connect with notable speakers like LaChina Robinson, ESPN basketball analyst, and Taj McWilliams-Franklin, a WNBA player relations and development manager. Among her favorites were Skyler Diggins and Noelle Quinn, who provided insightful perspectives on both sports and life.
With an impressive career at Iowa State, Ryan is not only the all-time leader in assists (993) and free throw percentage (.885) but also holds significant milestones in steals and blocks. She has plans to explore coaching opportunities after concluding her college career, underscoring her commitment to the sport. As one of the top performers in the Cyclone women’s basketball history, her journey continues to inspire fellow athletes and future generations.
