Special to the Independent
Malden Catholic today announced the hiring of legendary Catholic Conference coach Billy Ryan as the new Head Coach of the Varsity Boys Soccer program. Ryan succeeds Scott Elias ‘96, who led the program for the past decade with integrity and dedication to developing the excellent student-athletes for which Malden Catholic is known.
“This is a transformational moment for our soccer program, and we are honored to welcome Coach Ryan to Malden Catholic,” said Bill Raycraft, Athletic Director. “His legacy of athletic excellence, his deep roots in the Catholic Conference, and his commitment to building team-oriented young men through sport align perfectly with our mission.
A revered figure in Massachusetts high school soccer, Ryan brings more than three decades of elite coaching experience, most notably as the longtime head coach at Boston College High School from 1993 to 2024. His career is defined by sustained competitive excellence, a commitment to serving as a positive role model, and building leadership qualities in young men through athletics.
“I am honored to join the Malden Catholic community and contribute to its tradition of developing distinct student-athletes who pursue excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities,” said Coach Billy Ryan. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation that Coach Elias established and leading the program into a bright and successful future.”
Ryan has one of the most accomplished coaching careers in the region with more than 300 career victories, 11 Catholic Conference Championships, five South Sectional Final appearances, an Eastern Massachusetts Championship, and an MIAA State Title. He is a member of both the Eastern Massachusetts Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Boston College High Athletic Hall of Fame, and was named Division 1 Coach of the Year during his tenure.
“Coach Ryan represents the very best of Catholic education and athletics. His leadership, integrity, and lifelong commitment to mentoring students make him an ideal fit for our academic mission and community,” said John Thornburg, president of Malden Catholic. “We are grateful for Coach Elias’s decade of service and excited for an exciting new era for our soccer program under Coach Ryan’s guidance.”
Coach Ryan sets an example beyond the soccer pitch, too. For over a decade, he has championed the Ellie Fund, helping to raise significant funds to support women battling breast cancer, an example of the servant leadership that has defined his career.