Bio

Coach Ryan Ray begins his tenure at Ranger College after a highly successful run at Arizona State University, where he served as head cross country coach beginning in December 2022. Across his three seasons with the Sun Devils, Coach Ray guided his programs through a transition into the Big 12 Conference while developing one of the most impactful freshman cores in recent program history. Under his leadership, ASU produced multiple All-Americans, national qualifiers, and All-Conference performers, highlighted by Judy Chepkoech becoming the first freshman All-American in program history and setting the school record in the 6k. Coach Ray's athletes earned numerous conference honors, broke long-standing school records across cross country and trask, and posted top-10 all-time performances, including a Big 12 runner-up finish and school record in the women's distance medley relay. 

Prior to leading ASU, Coach Ray build a strong resume as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Arizona and Boise State University, where he coached athletes to All-Conference, All-Region, and All-American honors and helped both men's and women's teams qualify for the NCAA Cross Country Championships. Known for his ability to develop talent and recruit at a high level, Ray has coaches athletes to school records, NCAA championship appearances, and conference podium finishes while signing nationally ranked recruiting classes. With more than a decade of experience in higher education and student development, Ray brings a holistic, athlete-centered approach to Ranger College, combining competitive excellence with a strong commitment to academic and personal growth.