Ryan graduated from Lakeland High School, where he was an All-State, four-year starter in both basketball and baseball. He went on to Barton County Community College in Great Bend, KS, where he spent two years as a starting pitcher for the Cougars. During the 2004 season, he threw a no-hitter against Butler County and helped the team earn a second-place finish in the Jayhawk West Conference.

Ryan then transferred to Central Missouri State University (now UCM), where he was part of the 2005 World Series team that finished third in the nation. That team tied a program record with a 57-9 season and was later inducted into the Hall of Fame.

For the last ten years, Ryan has coached youth sports with a focus on fundamental development, helping players build a strong foundation and the mindset to compete at a high level. Just as important to him is teaching players to be good teammates and to make a positive impact both on and off the field.

Ryan and his wife, Leigha, have three children: Ryder, Jameson and Emersyn. In his free time, he loves cheering on his kids at their games, going to concerts, fishing and traveling with his family.