Ryan W.D. Blanford

Pictured: Ryan Blanford, Elizabeth Blanford (wife), Pearl Blanford (daughter)

My Goal

Become a head coach for a college cheerleading program.

My Coaching Philosophy

My coaching philosophy is made up of three elements: my PURPOSE, my LEADERSHIP STYLE and my CORE VALUES. As you will notice, my coaching philosophy is centered around EMPOWERMENT. Ensuring student-athlete EMPOWERMENT confirms a win-win culture within the program. I have high expectations for my team. In return, my team can expect a lot from me. As a coach, I will commit the time and consideration necessary to achieve the goals set forth for the program.

My Purpose

As a coach, I exist to EMPOWER student-athletes; with hopes of sharing in their success.

My Leadership Style

I will empower my student-athletes by serving as a guide in their decision making.

I will hold my student-athletes and myself accountable to high standards.

I will use a positive reinforcement reward system (incentive program).

I will gain a deep connection with each individual on my team.

I will recruit student-athletes who align with and enhance the team’s culture.

I will develop my student-athletes Professionally, Academically, Personally, and Athletically.

I will coach with high energy regardless of the day’s troubles.

MY CORE VALUES

COURAGE

Push past the fear.

EDUCATION

Have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

EMPOWER

Give others control of their lives.

PASSION

Complete every necessary task to the fullest.

RESPECT

Show towards everyone, at all times.

MY STORY

My goal is to become a head coach for a college cheerleading program.

I am currently a Student-Athlete Development Intern and an Assistant Cheerleading Coach for The Ohio State University.

As my resume indicates, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati (UC). Immediately following my undergrad, I changed career paths and started working toward a Master of Science in Sport Administration at UC. During my years in undergrad and graduate school, I was on the UC Cheer team, where I served two years as captain. Following the completion of my master’s program, I decided to pursue a career in coaching. I became an assistant coach for UC cheer, where I took a key role in organizing and running clinics, events, practices, games and tryouts. I increased the team's social media followers by 53%; as I believe social media is the key to recruiting today's student-athletes. I also had the opportunity to help the team win the Universal Cheerleading Association’s first ever Game Day National Championship.

I have a strong passion for empowering student-athletes professionally, academically, personally and athletically. While coaching at the University of Cincinnati, I also worked in the Student-Athlete Support Services (SASS) office. As the Assistant for Academic Services, I advised 30 student-athletes in areas of course registration, graduation and NCAA academic eligibility, while also providing academic assistance, accountability and organizational skills. Now at The Ohio State University, I work in the Student-Athlete Support Services Office (SASSO) as the Student-Athlete Development Intern where I deliver programming and career services to four teams.

Just over three years ago, I co-founded a company called Toss & Tumble Academy. With this small business, we provided private lessons and clinics to boys and girls of all ages. We were able to help 23 high school student-athletes successfully transition to a college cheerleading team. The skills I gained from this experience have proven invaluable and they have carried over into my coaching.