Molloy University Athletics is welcoming new leadership to two of its programs, with Larry Ryan promoted to Head Women’s Bowling Coach and veteran soccer coach and educator John Fitzgerald joining Molloy as Head Men’s Soccer Coach.
The appointments bring together two coaches with different connections to the University. Ryan steps into his new role after three seasons as an assistant coach with the Lions, while Fitzgerald arrives at Molloy with more than 30 years of experience across collegiate, professional and youth soccer.
Ryan becomes the third head coach in the 12-year history of Molloy’s women’s bowling program. During his three seasons as an assistant, he helped the Lions earn 136 wins and develop into perennial East Coast Conference contenders. The team came within one match of an ECC Championship during the 2025-26 season.
Having already built relationships with Molloy’s student athletes and developed an understanding of the University’s culture, Ryan sees the promotion as an opportunity to continue building on the program’s momentum.
“Having spent the past three seasons with Molloy, I am excited to take over the head coaching position with established relationships within the program and an understanding of the culture and expectations surrounding both the bowling program and Molloy’s mission,” Ryan said.
Ryan previously spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Adelphi University and brings more than 270 career wins to his new position. Drawing on his professional background in psychology, his coaching philosophy emphasizes communication, individualized development, relationship building and helping student-athletes grow beyond competition.
That commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the field is also central to Fitzgerald’s approach as he takes the helm of the men’s soccer program.
Fitzgerald brings an extensive coaching career to Molloy that includes 20 seasons as associate head coach at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. During his tenure, the Mariners compiled a 241-105-22 record, made six NCAA Tournament appearances and produced six All-Americans.
His experience extends throughout the professional and youth levels of the sport. Fitzgerald has coached with organizations including the American Soccer Club of New York, Long Island Rough Riders and NY Cosmos B, helping the latter capture the 2016 National Premier Soccer League National Championship.
Beyond competition, Fitzgerald has established himself as a nationally respected coach educator. He currently serves as Director of Coaching Education for the Long Island Junior Soccer League and as a National Staff Coach Educator and State Technical Director for United Soccer Coaches. His contributions to coaching education were recognized in 2025 with the United Soccer Coaches Mike Berticelli Excellence in Coaching Education Award.
Director of Athletics Michael Grasso said Fitzgerald’s combination of competitive success and commitment to student development made him a strong fit for Molloy.
“His impressive record demonstrates his commitment not just to building championship-caliber teams but to developing young men on and off the field,” Grasso said. “I am confident that under his leadership, our men’s soccer program will compete at a high level while embodying the values of Molloy Athletics.”
Together, the appointments position both programs for their next chapters while reinforcing Molloy Athletics’ emphasis on competitive excellence, mentorship and the development of student-athletes beyond their respective sports.
