A Strategic Promotion
Emily Ryan, the former point guard who rewrote Iowa State’s record books, has now taken on a full‑time assistant coach role for the Cyclones.
During her five‑year tenure from 2020 to 2025, Ryan amassed 993 assists, ranking her among the program’s all‑time greats, and became only the third woman in NCAA history to reach the 1,500‑point, 900‑assist, 600‑rebound milestone.
Her defensive prowess also placed her in the top five of school history for steals and blocks, while her consistency earned her All‑Big 12 first‑team honors in 2022 and second‑team accolades in 2023, plus a spot on the league’s all‑defensive squad in 2021.
Coach Bill Fennelly praised the move, stating that Ryan’s basketball IQ, work ethic and deep connection to the program make her an invaluable asset as the team looks to build on its recent successes.
The promotion signals a strategic investment in continuity; Ryan’s intimate understanding of the Cyclones’ style and culture is expected to accelerate player development and reinforce the program’s identity on and off the court.