Iowa State women’s basketball great Emily Ryan promoted to assistant coach
AMES, Iowa — Emily Ryan, one of the most productive point guards in women’s college basketball history when she played for Iowa State, has been hired as a full-time assistant at her alma mater, coach Bill Fennelly announced. Ryan played for the Cyclones from 2020-25 and was a graduate assistant last season. She finished her career with 993 assists, a school record and seventh all-time in Division I.
She just was the third NCAA women’s player to record at least 1,500 points, 900 assists and 600 rebounds in a career. She also ranks in the top five in program history in steals and blocks. “Emily made a tremendous impact on our program as a player and that will continue as a coach,” Fennelly said in a statement.
“Emily’s loyalty and commitment to Iowa State women’s basketball has been truly special. Our players will be learning the ‘Iowa State’ Way from one of the best Cyclones ever! ” Ryan was voted to the All-Big 12 first team in 2022 and second team in 2023 and was on the league’s all-defensive team in 2021.