With over 18 years of lacrosse experience, Ryan Gehsmann brings a player-first coaching style focused on development, discipline, leadership, and competitive drive. His journey in the sport began in 2004 at TYLA, then really got underway at Western Guilford High School, where he was a four-year starter from 2007–2011 and served as a two-time team captain. During his time at Western, Ryan earned All-Conference and All-Region honors while falling in love with the medicine game.
Ryan continued his lacrosse career at the University of South Carolina Columbia, competing at the club level before returning to the Triad — where he remains an active player and director of the NC Fusion Adult leagues and annual tournament. That player mentality never left him, and it carries over in how he coaches.
Since transitioning into coaching and organizational leadership, Ryan has become an impactful figure in the Triad lacrosse community. He founded the Greensboro Lacrosse Club in 2014 and the Carolina Gryphons in 2018, building recreational and high-level programming for youth through adult athletes. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Triad Youth Lacrosse Association (TYLA), Director of Operations for GLC, and Varsity Assistant and Middle School Head Coach at Greensboro Day School. Ryan has organized over 11 years of the Greensboro/Triad Lacrosse Classic — this year's event is scheduled for August 15–16 at Truist Sports Park — and has directed the NC Fusion Adult Leagues for going on five years in 2026.
Ryan's coaching philosophy centers on developing athletes on and off the field — building strong fundamentals, competitive resilience, and the kind of character and leadership that extends well beyond the game. He also actively mentors student-athletes through the college process as well as career development. Whether working with beginners or elite-level players, Ryan is committed to helping every athlete reach their full potential in all endeavors on and off the field.
