Alumni Spotlight

Ryann Hierholzer (Krais) is a 2008 graduate of Methacton High School. She is one of the most widely recognized and highly celebrated student-athletes in Methacton School District history. “Eye of the Tiger” was her favorite song back then as it resonated with the strength of her work ethic and desire to win. And winning is exactly what she has done and has continued to do far beyond this windy hill.

Having achieved national recognition as a high school sophomore in the Heptathlon event, Ryann found her way to UCLA and then to Kansas State on an athletic scholarship where she continued to earn recognition and find success on and off the track.

As a high school athlete, Ryann placed fifth in Track & Field News Athlete of the Year voting; was a Track & Field News All-American in the 100m hurdles, 300m hurdles, and heptathlon; was a three-time USA Today All-American; competed at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in the 400m hurdles; was a nine-time outdoor state champion; a five-time indoor state champion; a three-time Pennsylvania Outdoor Athlete of the Year; was the 2007 Pennsylvania Gatorade Athlete of the Year; and earned gold at the sprint medley relay and bronze in the 400m hurdles at the World Youth Championships.

In addition, she competed at the World Junior Championships in 2008; set a state record in the 300m hurdles (41.2) and national class records in the heptathlon (sophomore/junior); ranked second all-time in the U.S. for the indoor pentathlon (3823); and ranked eighth all-time in the U.S Prep 400m hurdles (with a best of 57.2). In the 2008 prep rankings, Ryann was No. 1 in the heptathlon (5522), third in the U.S. in the 300m hurdles (41.20), and fifth in the 400m hurdles (58.96). In all, she was a 14-time state champion.

As a collegiate hurdler and heptathlete, Ryann won the NCAA meet in the heptathlon and took 3rd in the hurdles, placed 2nd in 2011 for the heptathlon at the USA national championship, won the Elite 89 award for highest GPA at the NCAA meet in 2012, and finished 7th in the 2012 Olympic Trials.

“Just like [on] social media, a collection of accolades can paint a more glorious picture of someone's life than reality,” Ryann said. “I remember looking up to my high school heroes and imagining that they had it all figured out. If I have the honor of being anyone's role model, I think it's important that they know my path was absolutely not without struggle. I didn't escape the self-doubt, fear of failure, heartbreaks, and loneliness that often accompanies the high school years (and I especially didn't escape it throughout college). I think what I really want any reader to know is that life doesn't have to be perfect to be meaningful. You don't need medals to have a platform. You don't even need a platform to make a difference. You are loved no matter what! Be good to others and give yourself grace."

Ryann says many Methacton teachers have influenced her but one person stands out for helping to nurture her talents. “Mr. Ronzano is a special person to me because of the time and energy he spent helping me reach my goals, but there have been many moments of impact from countless people that I still appreciate today.” She credits Mr. Merscher, Mr. McCann, Mr. Rice, and Mr. Ryan as some of the people who influenced her winning ways in the classroom, hallways, and on the track.

One of those influential teachers had this to say about Ryann: “She truly is a special kid (who may no longer be a kid, but always will be to me),” said Mr. Ronzano. “Ryann was never one that enjoyed the spotlight. When she would receive a State Medal (often times a "Gold"), she would come off the podium, wrap the ribbon around the medal and hand it to her parents. Although an incredibly gifted athlete, that is not what defines Ryann. Methacton has always had the good fortune of having phenomenal student-athletes. Ryann was an exceptional student [and] one of the most decorated athletes in school history, but above everything else, she had the ability to bring out the best in everyone around her. In 2008, Ryann's senior year, the Girl's Track and Field Team won the PIAA State Championship. Throughout the meet and her entire high school career, the spotlight was on Ryann. When asked by the press, all she wanted to talk about was her teammates and what THEY had accomplished. She would be the last one to take the credit, but SHE is the one that elevated others to perform at a higher level than ever imagined. That's just who Ryann Krais Hierholzer has always been. She has been an inspiration to so many young women over the years.”

Some of Ryann’s favorite memories are from when she was running relays with her high school track team and going to school dances. “I always felt very supported at Methacton, and that is thanks to the whole community.”

Nowadays, she has taken her winning ways toward helping others. Ryann currently works as a certified health and wellness coach and is preparing to begin graduate school this winter to become a professional counselor. She also holds a master’s degree in Kinesiology.

When asked what advice she would give to current Methacton students, Ryann emphatically said, “Be confident in the education you are receiving. When I first started at UCLA, I was concerned about the academic expectations. I soon discovered that Methacton had really prepared me for the next level of education.”

Ryann said that she is thankful for her high school experience. “I love getting the opportunity to visit home and reconnect with friends.”

These days, Ryann can be found in Austin, Texas caring for her two children and reveling in the great joy that her marriage and children bring. While she has retired from track, she remains an athlete in competitive soccer.

If you are -- or know -- a Methacton alumni who should be featured in the ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT, complete the interest form here.

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