Division III Week Student Spotlight – Savannah Ryan
This week is NCAA Division III Week and member institutions across the country are celebrating the 10th-year event.
Division III Week, which runs from Monday through Sunday, is intended to recognize the academic and athletic accomplishments as well as the campus leadership and community service efforts of Division III student-athletes.
As part of Huntingdon College's participation in Division III Week, six student-athletes will be featured this week. Savannah Ryan is today's featured student-athlete.
By Adam Mann
Sports Information Assistant
Name: Savannah Ryan
Year: Senior
Hometown: Fairhope, Ala.
Major: Exercise Science
Sports: Women's Lacrosse, Cross Country and Track and Field
Athletic Accomplishments: Ryan is a three-year player for the women's lacrosse team and also competed with the cross country and track and field programs as a senior. As a lacrosse player, she has appeared in 28 games and recorded 19 goals, 12 assists, 103 ground balls, 38 draw controls and 22 caused turnovers. This season, she leads the team and is tied for fourth in the USA South with 27 ground balls and is tied for third on the team with three caused turnovers.
Academic Achievements and Campus Activities: Ryan has been a member of the Dean's List of High Honors since the fall semester of 2018, is a two-time USA South All-Academic selection, a USA South Sportsmanship award winner and a team captain for the women's lacrosse team this season. She was the James Williams Award winner in 2020 and has been a Resident Assistant and a member of the Student Alumni Association since 2019 and has received the Female Resident Assistant of the Year Award. A member of Chi Omega, she has been a Philanthropy Assistant and Sisterhood Support Team member and has served Campus Ministries as a Ligon Ladies Small Group leader and HLA Mentor.
What made you feel like Huntingdon was the right place for you? "The first time I visited Huntingdon I felt a profound sense of peace and happiness, which is how I knew it was the right place for me. I toured the school on a summer day with my mom. The first aspect of the campus that I noticed was the inviting and eloquent brick buildings. I also noticed the surrounding signs that read "We are Huntingdon. We are family." On the tour, I learned that Huntingdon was a place that I could be involved with several organizations. The student giving the tour gave her testimony that it was easy to know and be known by others. This sense of small community, involvement, togetherness, and family led my heart to Huntingdon."
As a student-athlete, what is your impression of Division III now compared to your first season? "My first impression of Division III sports was that it might be similar to my high school experience. I had never spoken with a Division III athlete or followed Division III athletics before beginning my athletic career at Huntingdon, so I was very unfamiliar with the dedication level of Division III athletes. After being a Division III athlete for three years, I deeply understand the commitment an athlete must have to compete at the highest level. The Division III model has allowed me to give my whole heart to athletics, academics and campus life. It allows me to be an elite athlete, student and person."
What advice would you give our current underclassmen and incoming recruits to better prepare them for the next few years? "'Commit your work to the Lord, and He will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3.' Coach (Stewart) Lowery and Coach (Charlie) Goodyear shared this verse during a morning workout. It has stuck with me, and I think that all underclassmen and incoming freshmen should take it to heart. Commit all your workouts, practices, school work and campus activities to God. He will guide you and fulfill your life no matter the circumstances."
How has your experience at Huntingdon prepared you for life after Huntingdon? "My experience at Huntingdon has further taught me to put my faith in God, who has molded me into a more resilient person. Through the hardest workouts, the challenging practices and the late nights studying, God has given me the strength to persevere through the valleys. Going forward, I trust that God will continue to guide me and give me the strength to glorify Him through any challenge I may face."