Leading On and Off the Water: Will Ryan’s Journey Through Rowing and UDance

Being a student-athlete the University of Delaware demands commitment, early mornings, and a relentless work ethic. Now imagine doing all that while leading the university’s largest student-run philanthropy. For senior Will Ryan, it’s not just a reality—it’s a purpose.

Will, a Massachusetts native with a double major in Finance and Management, is a core member of Delaware Men’s Crew and currently serves as Co-Executive Director of UDance 2025. We sat down with him to learn how he balances two major roles, how rowing shaped his leadership, and what UDance means to him.

 

Q: Give a quick introduction about yourself

A: My name is Will Ryan, and I am a Finance and Management Double Major on the Men’s Crew Team, I am also the Co-Executive Director for UDance 2025. I am from Massachusetts, and I have been rowing since I was a freshman in high school.

 

Q: What year are you, and how did you get involved with Delaware Crew? 

A: I am a Senior, and I was recruited to row at UD when I was in High School. I knew I wanted to row in college, and I also wanted a school that I would enjoy even if I didn’t row, and Delaware was the perfect fit!

 

Q: What drew you to UDance, and how did you become Executive Director?

A: I was introduced to UDance as a freshman at FTKontest, the annual Club Athletics competition that UDance hosts in the spring semester. After I went to this event, I was hooked, and I immediately wanted to become involved. I have had personal connections with cancer growing up, including the loss of a friend in high school. UDance was a place where I could honor his legacy, and be a part of something bigger than myself. I went to UDance that year and applied to be on the Executive Board, not expecting much because I hadn’t been involved for very long at that point. I was accepted to be the Varsity Athletics Chair as a Sophomore, became the Athletics Director as a Junior, and I was interviewed and lucky enough to be selected as one of the two Co-Executive Directors as a Senior.

 

Q: Has rowing shaped your approach to leadership at UDance? If so, how?

A: Absolutely. Being on the Crew Team has instilled in me excellent time management, and taught me the importance of giving 100% into everything I do. Waking up at 4:30 every day has always forced me to prioritize good sleep at night, and productivity during the day, and these skills became incredibly important as I became one of the Co-Execs. Rowing has helped me set an example for the entire UDance Executive Board of time management, organization, and passion, and the two involvements have mutually benefited each other.

 

Q: For those who may not know, what is UDance and what does it stand for?

A: UDance is the largest student-run nonprofit organization at the University of Delaware. It raises money for the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation and the fight against childhood cancer. The B+ Foundation is the nation’s largest provider of childhood cancer family assistance, while also funding cutting-edge research around the world. UDance was built around the idea that College Students have the power to change the world. UDance is a group of students who dance today for those who are fighting something they shouldn’t have to, in hopes that someday no child will hear the words “you have cancer”, and we can dance in celebration. 

 

Q: What’s one story or moment from UDance that stuck with you?

A: It is extremely hard to choose just one moment that sticks out because UDance has made my time at UD so special. However, one that comes to mind is this year, at UDance seeing the floor of the Bob Carpenter Center filled with students very early on in the day. We worked very hard this year to rework the production schedule, and to bring new and exciting things for the entire campus to enjoy. Going into the day, we were unsure how the turnout would be, but we saw a packed gym very early on, and even hit a level of attendance that the community hadn’t seen since before the COVID-19 Pandemic. We brought many things to the day of UDance that can be carried on for years to come, and it was a very proud and emotional moment to see that the work we do is being appreciated by the whole campus. A huge shoutout to my Co-Executive Director Gianna, as well as our Entertainment Team: Jack, Emma, and Kelly for making this schedule new and exciting for our student body.

 

Q: You juggle a lot with rowing, school, and leading one of the largest student-run philanthropies on campus. How do you manage it all?

A: I have had to practice time management and organization, and these skills have improved for me this year. I am a strict user of my Google calendar, and it helps to carve out time for myself, even if it is only in 30-minute spans once a day. It is not an easy task, but at the same time, I enjoy both rowing and UDance, so it never feels like a chore or a task to be filling my schedule with practice, workouts, meetings, or events.

 

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a student-athlete who wants to get more involved in causes they care about?

A: If you care about what you are doing, you will figure it out. One of my biggest fears in taking the position, and hesitations of applying, was that I would not be able to manage both commitments and give 100% to each. What I have learned this year is that the amount of work and time something requires is not necessarily what matters, rather it is the substance of what you are doing, and how passionate you are for it. I love rowing and I love UDance, and if you find something that you are passionate about, and you truly care for, you will not let yourself give anything but your best.  

 

Will Ryan isn’t just setting an example for his team, he’s leading a campus-wide movement. His story is a reminder that purpose, passion, and persistence can row in the same boat.