Local Olympian to Be Honored in New City Ceremony

NEW CITY, NY — Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski will honor Ryan Carlyle in a ceremony in New City Tuesday for her participation in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games as part of the Rugby Seven Women’s team.

Carlyle grew up in West Nyack and attended Clarkstown schools, she graduated from South having played on the softball, basketball, soccer, and indoor track teams and was recognized as All-County and All-Region in all four years.

How did Carlyle end up playing Rugby? She was first introduced to the sport while studying abroad duirng her sophomore year (University of South Carolina) in Australia and visited Suncorp Stadium, home to the Brisbane Broncos of the Aussie National Rugby League.

When she was back in the states, Carlyle noticed that USC rugby tryouts were right after her club soccer practice. On a whim, she decided to stick around and give it a shot. The young athlete was a natural and the rugby team immediately invited Carlyle to play with them for the long term.

Team USA’s Rugby Sevens squad was a historic appearance, as it was the first time Rugby Sevens has been an event in the Summer Olympics and the first time Rugby was played in the Olympics since 1924.

The 12-member team competed between August 6 and 8, landing in fifth place, beating out teams from France, Spain, Brazil and Japan.

State, county, local and school officials as well as past coaches and her friends and family will join with Zebrowski to recognize Ryan’s many achievements. Zebrowski extends the invitation to all Rocklanders to join as the community celebrates one of Rockland’s rising stars.

WHEN: 6 PM Aug. 30

WHERE: Rockland County Courthouse, 1 South Main St., New City, NY 10956

READ: West Nyack's Own Ryan Carlyle Does Well In The Olympics

PHOTO/ Getty Images via USOC