GK Elite. Engineered for Cheer.

HE’S NOT JUST A FAMILIAR FACE AT CHEERLEADING WORLDS – HE’S ALSO A MODEL FOR ABERCROMBIE & FITCH AND WAS RECENTLY FEATURED IN THE 2011 GK ELITE CHEER CATALOG.

WHEN RYAN’S NOT DAZZLING THE COUNTRY WITH HIS LOOKS AND SKILLS, THE PRE-MED STUDENT CAN BE FOUND COACHING AT MARYLAND TWISTERS OR VOLUNTEERING AT THE LOCAL SOUP KITCHEN. INSIDE CHEERLEADING CAUGHT UP WITH RYAN TO ASK HIM ABOUT HIS DIFFERENT VENTURES, AND HOW HE KEEPS UP WITH IT ALL.

How Did You Get Into Modeling?

I got into modeling my senior year of high school after my senior pictures photographer submitted my photos to a local modeling agency. After graduating high school, my agency offered me the option to move to New York full time to purse a full-fl edged modeling career, but I was left with the difficult decision to pick modeling or school. In the end, I decided that school was more important.

Where Do You Go To School and What Are You Majoring In?

I’m currently a junior at John Hopkins University, class of 2012, on an academic scholarship (Hodson Trust Scholar). I was one of only 15 in my incoming class to receive this scholarship. I’m a pre-med student, double majoring in Behavioral Biology and Art History. I hope to one day be a plastic surgeon with my own surgical practice.

WHEN AND HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH CHEERLEADING?

When and How Did You Get Involved With Cheerleading?

After being a gymnast for many years, I started cheerleading when some friends suggested I join their local All Star team to better my chances at a college scholarship. I began cheering in 2005 and instantly fell in love with the sport. In 2006, I cheered at Kentucky Elite in Lexington, KY on their large senior coed team for two years, making two top 10 appearances at Worlds. After moving to Baltimore for school, I began cheering at Maryland Twisters on their international open team Black Ice. My favorite part of any cheerleading routine would be standing tumbling and partner stunting, and my signature tumbling skill is punch front through to whip whip double full. This year I started coaching at Maryland Twisters large youth Level 2 team (Little Winds), and it has been an extremely rewarding and awesome experience.

WHAT MAKES YOU NERVOUS?

What Makes You Nervous?

The stunt section of any routine always makes me nervous. I’m always holding my breath until I’m sure every stunt is staying in the air. One stunt bust can be the difference between first and last place.

WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER INTERESTS BESIDES CHEERLEADING?

What Are Your Other Interests Besides Cheerleading?

I have many interests outside of cheerleading. I always try to involve myself in community service to help better and give back to the community. Whether I’m volunteering at the hospital or working at the local soup kitchen, I make giving back and helping those less fortunate a priority. On campus I’m also involved with a group called A Place To Talk, which provides an outlet for students who are stressed or just need someone to listen empathetically to help them resolve their problems.