Boston University

The first woman to twice be named America East Scholar-Athlete of the Year, Marisa Ryan was one of the finest distance runners in school history. She helped BU claim three America East indoor titles, the program’s first America East outdoor title in 15 years, as well as three America East cross country crowns during her sensational career. In addition to twice being selected as the conference’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year, Ryan received Scholar-Athlete of the Year recognition six different times across the cross country, indoor and outdoor disciplines. 

Along with BU Hall of Famer Christine Stief, Ryan is one of just two women to be named America East Indoor Track & Field Scholar-Athlete of the Year three straight years, with Ryan doing so while earning her medical degree as the first student-athlete to ever be admitted to Boston University’s Seven-Year Accelerated Medical Program. Ryan was a two-time All-American in 2008, finishing fifth in the 3,000m run at the NCAA indoor championships before posting a fourth-place performance in the 10,000m run later that year. The 2007 America East Woman of the Year also qualified for the 2006 NCAA Cross Country Championships and combined for 10 all-conference selections across all three seasons.