Leading up to the men's basketball regular-season opener on Nov. 6, GoStanford.com will profile all 15 student-athletes on the team and learn more about their interests, experiences and goals.
In the sixth edition of our Cardinal Capsule series, we get to know freshman Cormac Ryan from New York, New York.
What is one thing people may not know about you?
I live in the heart of New York City, but I really enjoy the exploring the outdoors, including hiking and camping. I don't get an opportunity a lot, but it is something I really like. We traveled to Yellowstone several years ago and we really enjoyed it. We saw animals up close, including a bison banging his head against our car window.
After spending a couple weeks on campus this summer and now this fall, do you miss the city vibe of New York City?
I still have a lot of the city in me. I am used to the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a change of pace here, but I like it. There is nothing that can compare to back home, walking out my front door and being in the greatest city in the world though.
While you won't declare a major until your junior year, do you have an area of interest in mind you want to pursue in your studies?
I have taken a couple Management, Science and Engineering classes that are entrepreneurship and business focused. Those have really been interesting. Back home, I have met a lot of people who work on Wall Street and it is interesting. I am also thinking about psychology as a possible major. I don't exactly know what I want to do, but I am excited to learn more about several areas of study. Stanford gives us an opportunity to really explore different interests.
Tell us about your family.
I come from a family of five kids [brothers Thomas and Owen, and sisters Summer and Starling]. We all have a competitive edge. It helps us all succeed in our sports, but it gets a little messy around some family outings. It is all in good fun and it makes for a good time.
How did your older brother Thomas [plays basketball at Yale] help you through the recruiting process?
Thomas and I are really close. Our whole family is really close. It has been great to see him do well at Yale and witness their run into the NCAA Tournament a couple years back. I talked to him a lot about what it is like being a college athlete. He has perspective from where he is at and the commitment that is expected. He has been someone I have leaned out throughout my basketball career.
Nickname?
People call me Mac, C-Mac or Macy [pronounced mack-E]. I guess Mac is the most popular one.
