Pasco-Hernando State College Volume XIII, Issue II Fall 2019 | Page 15

Coach Tom Ryan (left) with the 2018-19 PHSC softball team. Winners On and Off the Field Women’s softball team finished their overall season with a 22-18 record qualifying for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II District F championship tournament. “The team showed grit and determination, having won an impressive 11 games in a row to qualify for regional play,” said Head Coach Tom Ryan. The Bobcats were third seed in the double elimination tournament held May 9-11 in Burlington, NC. The team went 2-2 and finished fourth in the tournament. Off the field, the Bobcats completed community service projects— Dade City Little League and West Pasco Girls Fast Pitch Softball clinics, and a visit to John Hopkins Children’s Hospital in New Port Richey. Long-Time Softball Coach Retires In 1994 Thomas Ryan was hired to launch the women’s fastpitch softball program, just three short years after Athletic Director Emeritus Bobby Bowman launched the intercollegiate athletics program at PHSC. This move came in line with the state of Florida and the NJCAA’s switch from soft pitch to fast pitch. Ryan has an impressive 25-year history, showcasing success in many forms—from winning seasons and tournaments to producing skilled ball players and academically excellent students. Over the years, players received athletic recognition through NJCAA Player of the Week honors and selection to all-conference, state and regional teams. Also, many received athletic scholarships to four year programs. “I can’t thank Tom enough for all his time and dedication in running a first-class program. His teams not only excelled on the athletic field, but in the classroom. His replacement will have big shoes to fill,” said Steve Winterling, PHSC Athletic Director. Ryan by the Numbers: 9 4 4 FCCAA State Tournament appearances (97, 98, 99, 00, 02, 03, 05, 06, 07) FCCAA Suncoast Conference Co-Champion (1998) FCCAA Suncoast Conference Coach of the Year (1998) FCCAA State Tournament Runner-up (1999) NJCAA District P Tournament appearances (2011-champion, 2016-runner up, 2018, 2019) NJCAA District P Champions (2011) NJCAA National Tournament (2011) 5 th Place Consecutive 40-plus win seasons (1997-2000) Kudos PHSC congratulates all the student-athletes who have received awards and honors, as well as those who have moved on to four-year programs. To learn more about these amazing student athletes, check out In the News on athletics.phsc.edu. FALL 2019 15