Ryan was born on the West Side of Cincinnati. His true love was always basketball. He turned his love into a passion playing at Elder High School. Through his hard work and dedication to enhance his basketball skills Ryan was able to receive a scholarship from Wright State University. After Ryan had completed his freshman year at Wright State University, he attended a party at Miami University where he encountered a freak accident, shattering his C5 vertebrae. Ryan is now paralyzed with limited mobility. Although, this injury was a setback, with the support system of family and friends across the nation, Ryan continues to get and get stronger everyday. It is his goal to start driving again this summer. His passion and love for life and the game will never go away.