Ryan Flynn '06
Ryan Flynn '06
Year: Class of 2024
Team: Men's Basketball
A member of Coach Chris Bartley’s first recruiting class at WPI, Ryan Flynn was instrumental in helping turn the program from seven wins as a first-year to 20+ win seasons his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons. He was seen as the team’s “go-to-guy” and beyond his offensive heroics, “Flynny” was also the team’s best defensive player.
He might best be remembered for his four-point play in the final minute of the 2005 NEWMAC championship game to lead the Engineers to a 64-60 victory and the team’s first conference tournament title. He also had game winning shots on the road at Williams, Endicott, and Wheaton.
“Ryan is perhaps the most clutch player in WPI men’s basketball history,” remembered Hall of Fame head coach Chris Bartley. “His multiple game-winning shots are incredible memories and moments for our program. As a member of our first recruiting class, 'The Founding Fathers', he developed into one of the best and most feared guards in the region. Flynny and his teammates put our program on the map, and his unique personality and aggressive style of play have made a lasting impact on WPI men's basketball."
A First-Team All-New England and All-NEWMAC selection, Flynn was part of a WPI team that won three NEWMAC league titles and two NEWMAC playoff championships. They made three NCAA tournament appearances and reached the Sweet 16 in 2005.
“Ryan Flynn was an exceptional talent who could impact the game on both offense and defense, quipped classmate Brett Dickson. “He was a smothering on-ball defender and could always be counted on to take, and make, our biggest shots. I am grateful to have had the chance to play alongside Ryan and congratulate him on this outstanding achievement.”
“Ryan’s offensive scoring numbers do not jump off the page, but his value to our team's success was beyond statistics,” added Bartley. “We had a very balanced team with a number of WPI’s all-time great players. The fact that Ryan was our go to guy in the group says it all.”
Originally from Boston’s North Shore, Flynn earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Spanish. He began his career at Fidelity Investments before working as an engineer in Boston for four years, followed by another three years in Texas. In 2013, he joined Coach Bartley’s staff as an assistant coach while pursuing a Master’s in Mathematics for Educators. After four years of coaching with Coach Bartley, he transitioned to a tech startup specializing in Smart City Solutions.
He is currently based in New Jersey, working as a Sales Engineer for ICE. In his free time, he plays in basketball leagues, enjoys golfing, and makes weekend trips to Boston to visit friends and family.
