Baseball has been a lifelong passion for Ryan Sweeney. Born and raised in Fargo, ND, Ryan first picked up a bat at age five playing T-ball with the Fargo Park District. From there, he grew through the levels of Babe Ruth, Post 400, and high school baseball at Fargo South. The game has always been a constant in his life, and this year, Ryan carried that passion into coaching his 14-year-old nephew’s team, Goldmark—all while managing his role as Project Manager at his family’s business, Advance Garage Door.

For Ryan, the foundation of baseball begins with structure, drive, and mastering the basics. “Every major leaguer still hits off a tee,” he reminds his players. Developing strong work habits is not only key to winning games, but also essential for building skills that carry beyond the field. At the 14U level, he knows progress can happen quickly—and he finds it rewarding to see young athletes improve in such a short time. Still, he recognizes the importance of balance, often reminding his players to focus while also having fun.

Coaching athletes with different skill levels and personalities is one of Ryan’s biggest challenges, but also one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. He strives to find the middle ground—allowing players to be themselves while still being coachable. “Every single person on the team has an influence on each other, and that has a direct reflection on winning games,” he says.

The toughest lesson Ryan has learned as a coach is striking the right balance between fun and focus. Creating an environment where athletes enjoy themselves while also knowing when it’s time to get serious has been both a challenge and a priority.

Looking ahead, Ryan hopes his coaching leaves a lasting impact on the athletes he works with. “I hope I gave them advice that they will remember forever,” he says. For Ryan, that’s the true legacy of coaching—lessons that go beyond the field and stay with players for life.