UNB Saint John Athletics
Home of the Seawolves

Ryan Benner has officially signed with the Seawolves Soccer program!

He began playing soccer at the age of five with the Fredericton District Soccer Association and at 13 he moved to the Premiership League. Over the last four years Ryan attended the University Prep Program (UNB Reds) and played Varsity Soccer for Fredericton High School. Throughout his career he has received multiple awards for his athletic achievements, held a part time job and maintained his grades in high school with an average above ninety percent.

Ryan developed a love for soccer the moment he stepped on the field. His appreciation for the on and off field challenges have allowed him to develop life skills throughout his years of play.

“I enjoy creating bonds with my teammates while keeping our competitive spirits engaged in the sport”.

It has always been a dream of Ryan’s to play soccer at the university level while following his academic passion and attending UNB Saint John will keep him close to family and friends. Ryan is incredibly excited for the opportunity to play for the Seawolves and once he arrives in the fall he will start his Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree. He has always enjoyed working with numbers and physics which led him to his choice program with a focus on either Civil or Mechanical engineering. His interest in physics flourished in high school, thanks to his biggest role model: Mr. Dwight Dunfield (Physics teacher at FHS). Ryan was able to explore a field of science he has always been interested in through Mr. Dunfield’s classes and knowledge and looks forward to pursuing his academic passion at the University of New Brunswick.

As Ryan hits the pitch with the team as a first year player, his goals are to continue developing his strength, conditioning, skills, and knowledge while contributing to the success of the team.

Head coach of Seawolves, PJ Ward, discovered Ryan at some local combines and the UNB (Fredericton) ID Camp. His impression of Ryan was that he was very composed as a defender and has a good foundation of soccer. Ryan’s willingness to defend and his drive to stop the opposing team from scoring goals is what grabbed Coach Ward’s attention.

“Ryan will bring a higher level of competitiveness and Soccer IQ to the program”.

His long-time commitment to the sport has developed his knowledge to contribute to the team’s success in the coming season. Ryan’s ability to read the game under pressure and find a way to move the ball forward is going to be a crucial addition to the Seawolves squad.

Welcome to the Seawolves Family Ryan!