For Ryan Snyder, Class of 2021, football was never just a game—it was a foundation.
From the Dallastown gridiron to the collegiate level, the lessons he learned from his high school athletic career have helped shape his character, work ethic, and future.
Now, he’s back at DHS where it all started, using his experiences to guide the next generation of student-athletes.
After graduating high school, Snyder began his collegiate football career in 2021 at McDaniel College. After the 2022 football season, he transferred to St. Vincent College for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. As a defensive lineman, Snyder finished his collegiate career with 23 tackles in 19 games played.
Everyone has a different reason for continuing a sport. For Snyder, it was simple.
“Football gave me so much in life, and I wanted to continue playing because I had the opportunity. I didn’t want to look back and regret not taking advantage of it. College football is a full-time job, even at the division three level, requiring constant work to perform at a high level. Despite battling many injuries, my love for the game always drives me. I am thankful and proud to have played and competed at a high level,” Snyder said.
Playing college football wasn’t easy for Snyder, but despite facing obstacles, he persevered. Dallastown football prepared him for all of it, showcasing grit, improving work ethic, and the mental mindset needed to compete at the collegiate level.
“Dallastown football taught me that to be great, you have to do more than everyone else. Just doing what is required will lead to being average. Some coaches I’m still close with today not only developed me as a player, but also taught me what it takes to become great in life. Those values still hold true to this day,” Snyder said.
Snyder didn’t just learn these lessons in college—his character was recognized in high school as well.
Former Dallastown head football coach Ron Miller, who worked with Snyder throughout high school, praised his work ethic and leadership.
“In high school, Ryan was an exceptionally hard worker with a coachable attitude. Today, he remains the same, having grown bigger, faster, stronger, and smarter. He continues to be an outstanding young man—a true leader and captain—constantly refining the qualities that already set him apart,” Miller said.
Snyder was a multi-sport athlete in high school, playing center on the basketball team. Through basketball, he realized the importance of leadership and being a role model, which led to his aspirations of becoming a teacher and coach—just like Mr. Michael Grassel.
“I told him in high school he would be a great teacher and a great coach. His ability to connect with players and build relationships with them is great for our program,” Grassel said.
Coach Gibbs and Coach Grassel gave Snyder the opportunity to join the coaching staff during his winter break from college.
“Coaching at my alma mater alongside former coaches and players I’ve built relationships with is a blessing. I started with Coach Gibbs, whose tough love in high school came from his deep care for us. Coach Grassel shares that same passion—he’ll text our group chat late at night, game-planning and watching film. That dedication inspires me to be the coach I strive to become. Giving back, building relationships, and helping student-athletes succeed—that’s my ‘why,’” Snyder said.
With aspirations of becoming a teacher and coach, Snyder is majoring in mathematics with a focus on secondary education. Recently, he has been working as a substitute teacher at Dallastown.
“It’s one of the most exciting things in my life. I have less than a year before I graduate, and being able to work with people I’ve learned from is an awesome privilege. All of us share the same passion for making a difference in students’ and young adults’ lives. Being able to work with people I once learned from is a blessing,” Snyder said.
Snyder plans to begin teaching in the fall and is set to graduate this upcoming winter.
