“From a childhood of humble beginnings in Columbus, Ohio, to a State Championship in HS and a D1 NCAA Heptathlon Championship while at the University of Akron, Christi Smith Ryan is now the inspirational Head Coach at Central Catholic HS in Portland, Oregon. She talks about growing up in Columbus, her extraordinary athletic career at the U of Akron, and how she leads her team through love and inspiration at Central Catholic HS. She talks about being a woman, a coach of color, how to cultivate athleticism in XC and T & F, and the importance of diversity and openness in our world. Coach Smith Ryan is the whole package–from extraordinary athlete to extraordinary coach.” ​- Charlotte Richardson