Recent Siena Basketball graduate Ryan Oliver '16 has been named to the Sport Changes Life Victory Scholars Class of 2017, which launched with an event Monday night at Nike Headquarters in New York City and was hosted by four-time major golf champion Rory McIlroy. Oliver and 22 other Victory Scholars are set to embark upon on a life-changing year of mentoring young people through sport in the communities of Northern Ireland, while also having the opportunity to study for their Masters degrees and continuing to play the sport they love.

"My experience and journey at Siena College has given me this tremendous opportunity to receive this scholarship with Sports Changes Life," said Oliver. "I'm truly blessed to be able to travel the world, coach basketball, play basketball at the professional level, and most importantly continue my education. I love to travel and I'm excited about this opportunity and challenge to live outside the country, experience a new culture and lifestyle. I want to thank Sports Changes Life for this amazing opportunity and plan to make the absolute most of it. I also would like to thank the staff and faculty at Siena along with the coaching staff who helped me along the way throughout this process."

Oliver will study at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown in Northern Ireland where he will pursue his masters in coaching and sport development as he looks to fulfill his dream of one day becoming a head coach and athletic director. He will also play for two basketball teams in Northern Ireland -- the Ulster Elks, who compete in the top premiere league -- and the University of Ulster team which plays in the local college league. Additionally, Oliver will coach several youth basketball teams during the nine-month Victory Scholars program which runs from August through May, helping spread basketball awareness to local youth while also showing them the importance of team work, skill development and personal growth as both a person and an athlete.

"We are excited that Ryan has the opportunity to continue his education and playing career, but more pleased that he has the opportunity to help young people who may be at risk; which is an important aspect of Siena's Franciscan values," noted vice president and director of athletics John D'Argenio. "During his four years at Siena, he displayed leadership and commitment to his team and the college. I know that he has many great talents to share, and will do so in a positive way."

A native of Inglewood, California, Oliver graduated from Siena College in May with his bachelor's degree in Marketing. Named Siena's Leo Dufort Male Student Athlete of the Month for December 2015, he appeared in 119 career games (36 starts) in his four years donning the Green and Gold. Oliver averaged 5.7 points per game over his career shooting 37% from three-point range in making 136 of his 236 field goals from beyond the arc. He averaged 7.3 points, made 51 threes and ranked fourth in the MAAC shooting 40.5% from three-point range this season.

The 23 Class of 2017 Victory Scholars comprised of recent student athlete graduates from various NCAA institutions, completed a rigorous selection process ensuring they embody the values of the Victory Program, first designed by co-founder, professor Deirdre Brennan of Ulster University. Sport Changes Life, in partnership with founding partner Ulster University and Chaka Travel, its Irish University and corporate partners, and McIlroy's Rory Foundation, are contributing $2.3 million to the education of the Victory Scholars at nine prestigious universities across the Island of Ireland.

Sport Changes Life aims to raise the aspirations of young people through sporting excellence, vocational and academic achievement, and personal development. Each year, new Victory Scholars are selected to help change the lives of young people and enable them to develop a global perspective and build life-long friendships with people and communities throughout Ireland.