Speaking publicly for the first time about her recent battle with illness, Virginia women's basketball coach Debbie Ryan announced yesterday that she successfully underwent surgery to remove a small tumor from her pancreas earlier this month. She plans to be back working full-time within a few weeks.
Ryan had been suffering upset stomachs since the fall of 1999 but did not see a doctor until the winter. At the insistence of her doctors at the University Digestive Health Center, she underwent numerous tests, but the cancerous tumor was not found until early August.
"It took a while to diagnose, because it was such a small thing," Ryan explained at a press conference yesterday. She agreed to surgery on Aug. 14, and the tumor was completely removed.
"I just thank God they were so persistent with me and got after me to get in there and get it done," Ryan said.
All follow-up tests came out normal, and Ryan is already back at work, talking to recruits on the phone and attending several practices.
|
Agnes Berenato, coach of the Georgia Tech women's basketball team, has known Ryan since the latter was a basketball camp counselor at Ursinus College back in the late 1970s. She said she knew about Ryan's condition during the 1999 summer recruiting period and talked extensively with her about her diet and stress level. Although Ryan is 24-4 against Berenato, the Jacket coach had gushing praise for her nemesis.
"Debbie is a terrific role model, one of the best," Berenato said. "She has a very strong voice. She's so small, but you know they say, 'Good things come in small packages,' and that definitely applies to her."
Florida State coach Sue Semrau also had kind words to say about Ryan, a coach she has never defeated in her three years in Tallahassee: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to her. Her tireless effort to the ACC makes her one of the pioneering greats of the game."
Entering her 24th season as head coach of the women's basketball program, Ryan has a 526-183 career record. In the 1998-99 season, she became one of six NCAA Division I coaches to win more than 500 games. She has not had a losing season since her first in 1978, and has led the Cavaliers to 16 consecutive NCAA Tournaments.
"Now that I get to stay home this month, I may be better than I've ever been," Ryan said jokingly.
Ryan's players were among many well-wishers who visited her in the hospital.
"My reception from them the other day was excellent," she said. "They've been just tremendous through this whole process."
Ryan expressed her gratitude to both the administration and especially the doctors and nurses at the University Hospital.
"I have always felt fortunate to be at Virginia," she said. "Now I have proof there are not many places like this in the world."
Ryan said she held the press conference to clear up the rumors about her health, to clearly explain her condition and give news of her recovery.
Read More
As harsh firsts accumulate, men’s basketball sputters to loss against Louisville
By Michael Liebermann | YesterdayLouisville triumphed at Virginia for the first time since 1990.
Women’s tennis strengthens roster with two winter recruits
By Gracie Genereux | 2 days agoThe additions will grow a small roster and add talent.
Women’s basketball begins the new year with a dominant victory over Wake Forest
By Sam Chun | 3 days agoAfter a win, the Cavaliers avoid sitting in last place in the ACC.
