WESTON, Mass.—Rarely have I ever been the type of person to be “star-struck” by meeting famous people, but when I heard Meg Ryan was coming to Regis College I almost lost my mind. She of course played in two of the greatest movies of all-time, Sleepless in Seattle, with Tom Hanks, and When Harry Met Sally, with Billy Crystal.
When I later found out that this was a different Meg Ryan, I was happy that it was this Meghan Ryan that I was getting to know. My questions are in bold; her responses in plain text, and added quotes by head coach Liz Conant are in italics.
How was it being the lead actress in Sleepless in Seattle with Tom Hanks?
(Laughing as if she had heard this question a thousand times) It was amazing, probably one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
Have you ever seen the movie?
I haven’t actually.
How often do you get that?
I get it quite often. A nursing professor said to me the other day that she had been waiting to meet me. When I was in kindergarten my teachers would make references to her and I had no idea who she (Meg Ryan) was.
I actually didn’t believe her at first when she told me that was her real name.
Have you ever wanted to be in a movie?
If the opportunity came up who would turn that down? I know I wouldn’t.
Who would play you in the movie about your life?
I don’t really know, but I think it would be really funny if she did.
I think we have enough movie questions for now. You were a transfer student, correct? What brings you to Regis College?
I was at Iona College (NCAA Division I), but they didn’t have a nursing program. I actually started as a business major, but my grandmother became sick, and seeing how the nurses, doctors, and health professionals worked with her made me more interested in nursing. Regis also has one of the best nursing programs in New England, and I’ve always thought of myself as a people person.
Is it difficult being a nursing major and student-athlete?
It certainly has its challenges. To be honest it takes balance. It’s difficult enough just being a student-athlete, but the extra pressures of nursing classes and clinical work don’t make it any easier. The key is finding a balance that works for you.
What other reasons played a factor in transferring to Regis College?
Iona was far away, and I wanted to be closer to home. Plus the ability to play lacrosse was another reason. The coaches really made me feel as if this was a program I wanted to be a part of.
This being your first year with lacrosse, how are things going?
I think we are doing well. Coach Liz (Conant) is doing an amazing job, and she has a vision for the program. She will take us to another level. Teams are coming in underestimating us, and leaving with a different perspective. Some teams have even told us that we’ve improved since last year.
She (Meg) is a valuable part of our defensive unit, and we look forward to her continued development…we want to keep improving, to compete, and to build our culture to keep our high standards.
What are your individual goals for the team, and your expectations?
As a goalie you have to be a leader on the team. Regardless of whether you’re a first-year or fourth-year, I’m learning to be a leader everyday. I’m expecting us to win more games this season than last year. A win early on was a huge confidence booster for us. There are teams that are comparable to us that if we play like we did against Endicott, we should win.
Goalie is a challenging position, and it takes a certain type of person to handle the pressure of the position. Meg is the right player—she is focused, intense, and keeps her standards high regardless of the situation.
How have your teammates helped in encouraging you?
The whole team has been supportive. Captain Alycia (Murray) is so supportive. If I need anything she is right there. The entire time has supported me. I’m like a freshman to the team, and they have all been helpful.
Athletes are notoriously superstitious, what type of pre-game rituals do you have?
I usually listen to Drop Kick Murphy’s before every game, drink a Naked Red Machine, and eat almonds. The music helps me to get in the zone. I like to seclude myself to go over notes that coach has given us, and get myself prepared for the game.
Thank you Meghan Ryan…
Do you see why this star is more entertaining than the actress? Regis College women’s lacrosse is preparing to take on Western New England Wednesday (March 23) at 4:00 PM, and will host seven more games this season.
From Stow, Massachusetts, Ryan has 40 saves on the season for Regis, and will surely remain first on the team in the category. Regis College will have its next home game April 2 versus Colby-Sawyer College.