Ryan Wellner is entering his third season as the defensive coordinator for the Stevens Institute of Technology men’s lacrosse team in 2007. Over the course of his first two seasons, Wellner helped lead the Ducks to a combined record of 26-7 and a pair of trips to the NCAA Division III Championship. He has also aided in the development of a pair of All-Americans – goalkeeper Jack Dunderdale (2005) and defender Josh Smith (2006).
During his first year on the Stevens sideline in 2005, Wellner helped guide the squad to a No. 7 national ranking in scoring defense. Last season, the Ducks’ defense surrendered less than seven goals per game.
Before coming to Stevens, Wellner served as an assistant coach at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. In 2003, he worked as the assistant coach at Chaminade High School on Long Island. Wellner was also the Director of Lacrosse Operations for the National Lacrosse League from 2001-03. Prior to that, Wellner spent time coaching in the English Lacrosse Association.
Wellner, who currently resides in Hoboken, N.J., graduated from Mary Washington College in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. While at Mary Washington, he was a four-year starter on defense and served as captain of the Eagles as a senior. In 2000, Wellner was named the Capital Athletic Conference Athlete of the Year. He still ranks amongst Mary Washington’s all-time leaders in career ground balls.
