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The Mount Vernon Mustangs gather around Coach Shirley Ryan during the state volleyball tournament. Saturday, the Mustangs won the Class 3A championship. Monday, Ryan announced her retirement after 38 years. (Stephen Mally/Freelance)
This was not a decision made in haste.
“I decided this four years ago,” said Shirley Ryan, who announced her retirement as volleyball coach at Mount Vernon High School on Monday. “I decided when this group of kids came through, that I would see them through, then go on a different route for the rest of my life.”
Ryan submitted a letter of resgination with the school’s administration Monday morning.
As far as happy endings go, this is tough to top. The Mustangs won two consecutive state championships (Class 2A in 2009, 3A in 2010), and Ryan’s career record of 829-331-114 includes a 56-match win streak at the end.
“I have had a lot of cool things go my direction,” said Ryan, the school’s only volleyball coach.
Ryan, 64, began the program in 1972, “with our team team wearing gym shorts.” In her tenure, the Mustangs captured 15 conference championships (12 in the Eastern Iowa Hawkeye, three in the Wamac East Division). Mount Vernon reached the state tournament seven times, winning three titles (1984, 2009 and 2010).
She retired from teaching in 2002.
3 Responses to Mount Vernon’s Ryan announces retirement
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CONGRATULATIONS SHIRLEY ON A FABULOUS CAREER. BARB HAS BEEN KEEPING ME UPDATED ON YOUR TEAMS. YOU HAVE HAD A REALLY GOOD TIME AND HOPE YOUR RETIREMENT GOES AS WELL.
CONGRATS AGAIN, TO BAD FOR US YOU WEREN’T HERE AT TIPTON.
MARY LOUISE LEMKAU-CROCK
Coach Ryan is one of the classiest coaches we have had the chance to meet and watch over the last several years. We wish her good luck in her retirement and we feel sorry for whoever has to follow her.
Congrats Shirley! I know you’ve had an awesome time over the past 38 years and you deserve many accolades for everything you’ve done and meant to the MV program. I’ve had a great time watching your teams, especially the past 4 years at state and with Emily and Sarah playing. It’s been a great ride and I’m glad you got to go out on such a high note for the program and yourself.
Love, Carolyn Ann