Name: Ryan McDonald               Position: Defender

Height: 6 ft 2 in         Weight:  180 lbs       Birthday: 4/25/87 

Hometown: Nashville, TN                Last Club Played For: Nashville Metros 

Other Professional Experience: PDLwith the Nashville Metros  

International: None

College: McDonald played 4 years at the University of Louisville and played Right Back for them. Scored 8 career goals with 6 my senior year. Received team MVP senior year.  Went to the big east tournament twice and the NCAA tournament twice. 

Club/Prep/High School: He played club for the Brentwood Rangers and played Highschool at Franklin Road Academy. Made all district 4 years, all region 4 years, all mid state 2 years and all state 3 years.

Personal: Ryan’s parents are Ken and Anne Louis McDonald. Sister Kaitie is a freshman at Louisville and plays soccer for the women’s team. Brother Matthew is a junior in high school and plays highschool soccer.

Getting to know Ryan...

Pregame Superstition: Wetting Hair 

What is your favorite move on the field: The Maradonna  

Favorite pre-game meal: Pasta 

What is your most memorable soccer moment: Scoring the go ahead goal in the NCAA tournament against Jacksonville with UL 

Who was your favorite coach and why?: My favorite coach is my Dad. He played professional for 10 years, coach the Vanderbilt Women’s Soccer Team for 10 years, and is now coaching at Franking Road Academy in Nashville for the past 9 years. He is my favorite coach because he doesn’t have to yell and scream to get his point across. He listens to players and understands the game. 

What would you recommend to young players who want to become a professional athlete?: I would recommend all young players to practice and be persistent. You never know what opportunity will arise if you keep trying. 

Best part about being a professional athlete: The best part about being a pro athlete is having the fans supporting you and getting to do what you love everyday. 

A “funny human trick” you can do: I can wiggle my ears. 

Hobbies & Interests: Movies, Video Games, Watching Football, Basketball, Coaching

Favorite music group/artist: Mat Kearney  

Favorite movie: Role Models or Taken 

Someone you would like to meet: I would like to meet Michael Jordan. 

Favorite movie quote: “Left Side.....Strong Side” 

Biggest thrill in soccer: Playing for U of L, beating number 3 ranked St. Johns on Friday night, then beating number 2 ranked Notre Dame the following Sunday. 

Where is your favorite vacation spot?: Anywhere in Florida