Emily Ryan promoted to assistant coach

AMES — After six years and two different roles at Iowa State, Emily Ryan was named an assistant coach for Iowa State’s women’s basketball program Thursday. 

Ryan spent five years as a player for the Cyclones from 2020-25  and, most recently, the 2025-26 season as a graduate assistant for the program.

“Emily’s loyalty and commitment to Iowa State women’s basketball has been truly special,” head coach Bill Fennelly said via a news release. “Our players will be learning the Iowa State Way from one of the best Cyclones ever!”

Prior to coaching, Ryan quickly established herself as a Cyclone and became one of the program’s most notable point guards. 

Ryan concluded her time as a Cyclone with 1,632 points, 656 rebounds and 993 assists. These statistics marked Ryan as the third NCAA women’s basketball player to have more than 1,500 points, 600 rebounds and 900 assists. 

Additionally, as a player, Ryan earned three Big 12 selections in the Big 12 Tournament, and 2024 marked Ryan as an All-Tournament Team member. Outside of the Big 12, Ryan was on the Naismith Trophy Watch List three times.

After transitioning from on the court to the sidelines, Ryan’s graduate assistant role focused on developing the program’s point guards.

The most notable point guard Ryan worked with was former Cyclone Jada Williams, who spent one season with the team.

 During the 2025-26 season, Williams quickly filled the role of the floor general, averaging 15.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 7.7 assists while shooting 41.7%. 

The new role for Ryan will quickly escalate as the team welcomes seven guards to the program ahead of the 2026-27 season.

“Emily made a tremendous impact on our program as a player, and that will continue as a coach,” Fennelly said.