Lake Forest College Sports Information
July 30, 2009
Contact: Mike Wajerski, SID

Ryann McCarthy Passes Away after Battle with Cancer
McCarthy played goalie for the Foresters from 2006-08


Ryann McCarthy
LOMBARD, Ill. - Lake Forest College women's hockey player Ryann "Ry" McCarthy passed away Tuesday (July 28) due to complications from cancer that was diagnosed last fall.

A Lombard, Illinois, native and graduate of Willowbrook High School, McCarthy came to the College in 2006 after helping lead Team Illinois to a state championship.

McCarthy played for the Foresters from 2006-08 and is the program's career leader in save percentage, goals against average, and winning percentage. She recorded two of the top four single-game save totals in team history late in the 2006-07 season and ranked seventh in the nation in save percentage that year. A fierce competitor, McCarthy was forced to stop playing last year due to her illness, but she could often be seen cheering on her fellow Foresters.

"We are extremely saddened by the loss of this extraordinary young woman and important part of our campus community," began Athletic Director Jackie Slaats. "We will miss Ry’s fiery red hair, energetic personality, great sense of humor, and passionate spirit."

"As a player, Ry was one of the most competitive and talented goalies I have ever coached," began Forester head coach Carisa Zaban. "She loved hockey and it showed in her attitude and her work ethic. Outside of hockey, Ry was one of the most amazing individuals I have ever met. Her smile and laughter were infectuous and she touched many people's lives with her upbeat attitude and terrific sense of humor. I will never forget her and what she has brought to my life."

Ryann McCarthy, loving daughter of Terry and Sue McCarthy; dear sister of Samantha; granddaughter of Georgene and the late James "Red" McCarthy, Margaret and the late Jerry Fric; fond niece and cousin of many. Ryann was loved by all her friends, teammates and especially her dog Wrigley. Family and friends will meet Friday for 10 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Church, 4801 Main St., Downers Grove. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorials to the H Foundation, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University, 60 S. LaGrange Rd., LaGrange, IL 60525, are appreciated. Arrangements by Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home.

A memorial service, along with several other campus iniatives, are being planned. Details will be available on the Forester Athletics Web site.