U.S. Olympian and Rocklander Ryan Carlyle Honored by Local Officials

NEW CITY, NY — A congratulatory ceremony to recognize Olympian Ryan Carlyle, West Nyack native and Clarkstown South graduate, for her participation in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, was held Tuesday night.

Carlyle made a historic debut playing rugby in the Olympics: the first time the sport has been in the Olympics since 1924, the first time Ruby Sevens was an event in the games and the first time in history women have competed in the sport.

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

Her friends and family gathered on the County Courthouse lawn underneath a tremendous American flag, presented courtesy of the West Nyack and New City Fire Departments, to celebrate her historic achievement in an event hosted by Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski.

Several elected officials gathered to honor Carlyle with Zebrowski: Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Senator David Carlucci, County Executive Ed Day, Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann, County Legislator Harriet Cornell, Councilman Frank Borelli, Councilwoman Adrienne Carey, County Sheriff Lou Falco, and the Clarkstown Superintendent Martin Cox representing the school district.

Carlyle's rugby career began after years at excelling at several other sports like softball, basketball, soccer and indoor track making All-County and All-Region all four years in high school in addition to All-American softball shortstop. After going to the University of South Carolina to play softball, she discovered rugby and had been quickly recognized by national and international teams.

SEE: Where Are They Now? : Ryan Carlyle

Carlyle went on to win National Championships and World Cup Sevens before making the twelve player Olympic team and history. The team came in fifth place and Ryan, proving herself a true asset, was able to regain possession of the ball in one of their last games with under a minute left to give the U.S. a scoring chance. It’s clear that Carlyle has made the Town, County, State and entire nation proud representing the USA.

“It is my complete privilege to have had the opportunity to pay recognition to Ryan, who has made Rockland so proud. She truly is the example of what hard work and dedication can amount to; not only making it to the Olympics, but making history and paving the way for other athletes to have the opportunity to compete in the Rugby Sevens event, and even more groundbreaking, women. I have no doubt that she will go on to do great things and I thank her for being a wonderful example of what can come out of Rockland County and New York State,” said Zebrowski.

"It was an absolute pleasure to have joined Assemblymember Zebrowski to honor a West Nyack native, Ryan Carlyle. There are very few people that can say they competed in the Olympics, let alone for the Rugby Sevens Women's Team. This is a major accomplishment and it was a pleasure to meet Ryan and recognize her hard work and dedication. She is a role model that continues to achieve and I am ecstatic that we were able to present her with a Certificate of Appreciation,” said Carlucci.

“I’ve coached thousands of kids in Rockland over the years in football, baseball and basketball and I know how sports builds character,” said Day. “I also know the hours of hard work, practice and dedication it takes for athletes to reach the top in their field. Ryan has done just that – reached the top. She is a proud example of the best of Rockland. We hope all young people, even those who do not aspire to the Olympics, learn from her example and work their hardest to reach their goals,” County Executive Ed Day said.

"Ryan Carlyle is a testament to the greatness of Clarkstown, Rockland county, and our great country. It is an honor to recognize her for her hard fought competition on behalf of all of us at the 2016 summer Olympics" said Hoehmann. “On behalf of all Clarkstown residents we are beyond proud of her hard-work, dedication and the example she sets for every citizen."

“Ryan’s love of sports and determination to excel made her an all-around superb athlete in track, basketball, soccer and softball, before rugby came into her life. As a West Nyack resident and the parent of four children who attended Clarkstown South High School, I couldn’t be prouder if she were my own daughter. Not only is she an Olympian and dedicated to fitness and strength, she is a college graduate with advanced educational degrees. She is a wonderful role model for girls and women everywhere. How special that she started out right here in Rockland—and there’s no limit to where she will go and what she will accomplish,” said Cornell.

PHOTO: Ryan Carlyle and Ken Zebrowski/ contributed