Part of a regular series.

Throughout the year, GNACsports.com uses this space to profile conference student-athletes, coaches, and administrators. Collectively, it is these individuals who make the GNAC one of the top NCAA Division II athletic conferences in the nation.

Name: Ryan McCarthy
Sport: Women’s Basketball
School: Alaska Anchorage
Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska

Colleges Attended & Degrees: Northwest Nazarene University (Undergraduate, Social Science Education)

Why Did You Become A Coach: For my passion for basketball and teaching young people.

Who Has Influenced You The Most As A Coach - Either As An Inspiration, A Mentor, Or Philosophically: Shaka Smart and Jerry Tarkanian. Both of these men were influential in my love for the way I like to see basketball played and the way they interacted with the student-athletes they coached.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome As A Coach: Travel

What Does Division II Mean To You: Division II is very special to me and something I am passionate about. It means being able to compete at a high level and give student-athletes who could compete at any level a chance to experience college and the value of athletics.

Extracurricular Activities: Hanging out with my kids.

Best Advice You’d Give To Student-Athletes: Live in the moment, work hard and get your degree!

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why): Jesus, to be able to learn to lead and love perfectly.

Favorite Sports Team: New York Jets

Favorite Athlete: Steph Curry

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Leading Alaska Anchorage to the 2016 national championship game.