Stefnie Ryan

Stefnie Ryan graduated from Taylorville High School in 1989.  As a high school athlete, Stefnie played on the basketball team, but she excelled in track and field.  Winning varsity letters in both her junior and senior years, she set a school record in the discuss with a toss of 102’4” in 1988 and then became the only Tornado state qualifier for the state track meet the following year, after setting a school record in the long jump with a leap of 18’2”.

A two time All-Apollo Conference selection, she was also chosen twice as  co-captain and co- MVP of the track team.  To cap an illustrious career on the track, she was also named an Apollo Academic All-Conference selection her senior year.

Following graduation, Stefnie received a scholarship to run track at Western Illinois University.  But it was her decision to “Walk on” to the WIU Westerwind softball team that provided her with an opportunity to excel in college sports.  A four-year starter, Stefanie earned All- Gateway Conference honors her sophomore year.   Changing conferences did nothing to slow Stefanie down, as she was selected to the Mid-America- All-Conference Softball Team in both her junior and senior years.

In 1993, she led the conference in stolen bases with 22 and during her career, tallied a school record 74 stolen bases; a record that still stands today.  During her career at Western, she is listed in the record book as 2nd in runs scored with 117, 3rd in hits with 207 and 8th in batting average at .344.

Stefanie concluded her career at Western Illinois University by being named team co-captain her senior year. After completing her degree in law enforcement, she became a deputy in the Christian County Sheriff’s Department, a position she continues to hold today.