Ryan DeLong '24 Recruiting Profile

My name is Ryan DeLong.   I have been playing hockey since I was four years old and I am from Suffolk, Virginia. Growing up in a military family, I have worked hard every day to improve my abilities as a student and as an athlete.   I’ve learned a lot about myself by playing three sports in high school:  hockey, volleyball, and tennis.  I am a letterman on my school volleyball and tennis teams, but my love for sports lies with hockey. I have played hockey on all levels from Mites hockey to junior elite hockey this season with the Hampton Roads Whalers.  

Currently, I am an honor student with a 3.71 GPA, a member of the National Honor Society and member of the National Beta Club.  Most people don’t know, but I currently hold the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts.  My academic interest lies in finance/economics, and I hope to major in that area in college.  

At the rink, I think of myself as a coachable player and am eager to learn each day during practice.  My skill level has grown tremendously in junior hockey; I see myself as a utility hockey player using my size and speed to outwork other players.  I’ve improved this year and moved up in the team lines to the starting line for most games.  I always try to hone my skills and help better my teammates.  Striving to be a better player and leader on and off the ice by setting the example for others is important for me.

Overall, I’ve worked hard to balance my schoolwork and my extra-curricular activities. I would like to attend a college where I can learn more and push myself in the classroom.  My work ethic and drive extends onto the ice in hockey.  I would like to find the right college where I can keep finding a good balance between academics and playing hockey at the NCAA level.