By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 12/18/10
Avon Old Farms (Conn.) junior goalie Will Ryan has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at the University of Delaware.
Ryan, of Beverly, Mass., helped the Winged Beavers finish 15-3 and claim the Founders League championship in 2010. Avon Old Farms was ranked No. 12 in the final Under Armour/Inside Lacrosse rankings.
Ryan plans to study Business and Administration at Delaware.
“I chose Delaware for a lot of reasons,” he said. “Lacrosse wise, it was a great fit. They play in a competitive conference, being the CAA. Their coaches are some of the best in the nation, always putting a very competitive team on to the field each year.”
The Blue Hens, coached by 33-year mentor Bob Shillinglaw, won the Colonial Athletic Association title last year and finished 10-7.
“The program is one of the best in the country and each year they continue to have success,” said Ryan. “I look forward to being a part of that success.
“The campus is beautiful as well. On my tour the coaches made me feel welcome, and I really felt that the school fit me well.”
Ryan played at Pingree School (Mass.) as a freshman, helping the team win the New England Division III title. He plays club lacrosse for Top Gun.
He also considered Fairfield, Stony Brook, Dartmouth, and Providence.
“Next year I plan on becoming more of a leader, which comes from communicating well with your defenders and knowing where they need to be at all times,” he said. “I also want to work on my foot speed in the net, as well as refining my technique and positioning.”
