MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Sam Ryan, CBS 2's Sports Anchor
Previously, Ryan served as sideline reporter for ESPN and ESPN2’s coverage of the National Hockey League playoffs, including the Stanley Cup Finals on ESPN and ABC. In 2004, she added reporting duties for ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball telecasts. Ryan also has served as a college football sideline reporter for ABC as well as fill-in reporter for the 2005 Monday Night Football season.
Before joining ESPN and ABC Sports, Ryan worked as a sports anchor and reporter for WABC-TV. In addition, she also has reported for WFAN radio in New York, News 12 Long Island, N.Y., WVIT Hartford, Conn., and Fox Sports Net New York, where she served as a reporter and anchor for the “New York Sports Report.”
During her career, Ryan has reported on many diverse sporting events, including 2005 Monday Night Football on ABC, Super Bowl XL pre-game (ABC), the Little League World Series (2003-05), the 1996 Summer Olympics (ABC Radio Network), the 2000 Subway Series between the Yankees and the Mets (FOX Sports NY and Madison Square Garden Network) and women’s college basketball (FOX Sports). She won a local Emmy Award in 1999 for “Outstanding Series Feature” and garnered a local Associated Press Award in 2000 and a NY Broadcasters Association Award in 2007.
In addition to her on-air work, Ryan is a national spokesperson for the March of Dimes, helping to generate awareness of its Prematurity Campaign.
Ryan and her husband currently reside on Long Island with their two children. We met her recently at http://www.whomyouknow.com/2009/10/team-up-and-tailgate-in-style-with.html
We are pleased to present her as our latest Mover and Shaker. Peachy Deegan interviewed Sam Ryan for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: What sports did you play growing up as a kid?
Sam Ryan: Gymnastics and dance.
Did you play sports in college or pursue it as a career as an athlete?
No. I actually managed the boys' wrestling team in high school though.
What sports are the most fun to report on and why?
Football. There's always excitement from either side of the ball. Offense, defense, special teams. Always action.What are your thoughts on the New York Yankees in the World Series?
They went out and spent the money to make their team better. Now's it's paying off. CC,AJ and Tex have been great for the Yankees. It's good to see the old guard being key this run ( Jeter, Mariano, Pettite)
What teams do you think look strongest in the NHL this year?
I'm going to have to stay with the East. The defending champion Penguins, Rangers and Caps. Gaborik was a huge pick up for NY!
We have already featured Chris Wragge and Lonnie Quinn as Movers and Shakers. What is it like to work with them?
It's like a family. Like having brothers. They're very professional, yet fun to work with.What attributes have made you successful in your career for you to have advanced to the #1 national market (NYC)?
I would have to say hard work, determination and doing my homework. Sometimes I sit back and think about how lucky I am to be in this position, but I do realize it wasn't just given to me. I've earned it and I am proud of that.
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
Lesley Visser. She's a true pioneer and is always looking out for me and giving me advice. She has opened so many doors for women.
My Office!
Saks!
What is your favorite drink?
Coconut water. it's great after a run. Loaded up with potassium.
Pure Food and Wine on Irving Place. A raw food restaurant.
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience?
Running in Central Park. I used to belong to the NYC Road Runners club.
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?
People watching.
