Katherine Louise Ryan

July 2025 Issuephotography submitted by
Katherine Ryan

 

Katherine
Louise Ryan

Current Residence: Annapolis, MD

Hometown: Hampton, SC

Career & Rank: Prospective submarine officer; Ensign, US Navy

Family: Proud daughter and granddaughter

Favorite Hobbies: Sewing, scrapbooking, crocheting, and any kind of crafting!

Congratulations! You just graduated from the Naval Academy. Tell us about your journey in getting to and through the Academy.
When I was applying to colleges, I struggled to find my “why.” I knew I wanted to do something meaningful, and I couldn’t find an avenue to do that at a conventional school. My grandfather grew up in Connie Maxwell’s Children’s Home in Greenwood, SC, and enlisted in the Navy when he turned 18, during Vietnam. His time in the Navy dramatically shaped his life and made him into the man I look up to. I realized I wanted the opportunity to lead sailors like my grandpa, to provide them with mentorship and support in pursuing a job well-done and a meaningful community. So, I applied to the Naval Academy. Now that I have graduated and commissioned, I’m excited to get into the submarine force to work as a member of such an incredible team.

Tell us about your upbringing and how you found the courage to fearlessly pursue your passion?
I grew up in Hampton, SC, with a mom who always encouraged me to pursue my interests, no matter how fleeting. I danced and did theater in Beaufort for about ten years. I was also involved in 4-H Club, Girl Scouts, church activities, the high school marching band, track, and cross-country teams. For the last two years of high school, I attended the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics where I plunged into a new world of academic rigor.

As an adult, I now realize how time-consuming all this was for the adults in my life, but it taught me not to fear new experiences. I had tried just about everything and failed on many occasions, but I knew I could keep trying. This is the mindset I have carried with me through the last four years at the Naval Academy, and I will carry it with me as I start my career.

You have made it through the rigor of military college and are about to deploy on a submarine in unpredictable times. What is your go-to to help relieve stress?
For me, having hobbies is critical. Being in a demanding environment means sometimes putting yourself on the back burner. It is our own responsibility to make sure that happens as little as possible. I love crafting, and I was famous among my roommates for coming home after a long day and crocheting in silence for 30 minutes before starting my next task. Carving out time for myself to do something “for me” kept me sane. Even if it’s listening to a podcast on your commute, like my mom does, or braiding your hair before putting it in a regulation bun, like my best friend does, I always urge ladies to remember themselves.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I will be completing a shore tour in the U.S. Navy. This means I will be attached to a shore command, rather than on a submarine. I would be interested in teaching in some capacity, perhaps at the Naval Academy, or furthering my education. Right now, my goal is to be stationed in the coolest location possible!

What is the No. 1 thing you would teach women about safety?
I feel dramatically underqualified to answer this question. So, I will go off of the classic weekend safety brief—always have a buddy and a plan. Be aware of your surroundings and always lock your car doors. 

What person, living or passed, would you love to spend a day with?
My great-grandma, Florence Louise, lived with my family during my middle school and early high school years until she passed away at age 94. She is my hero! During her heyday, she was involved in many civic organizations, like the Lions and Rotary Clubs, as well as active in her church, garden club, and bridge club. Her giving spirit was apparent every day she spent on Earth, and I would love to simply go through one of those days again with her, hoping we would deliver Meals on Wheels and make crafts with the ladies at church. More than anything, I would love to hear the words of wisdom she might share with me as I trek forward on the adventure of life.

What encouragement do you have for women/girls who are interested in pursuing a career in your field?
Make up your mind: “I am going to do this.” Then, do it! People will tell you their opinions of a woman’s place or what they believe about your personal capabilities, but no one knows you better than yourself. Show up every single day, give it your all. Stop and smell the roses, help others, and remember your promises.

What are words you live by?
Plebe (freshman) year at the Academy, I made a simple mistake, and I allowed it to derail my mindset. A very wise upperclassman pulled me aside and told me to “only care about what you care about.” In other words, don’t sweat the small stuff. Know yourself, know what’s important to you, and then prioritize that. Everything else is just background noise.

If you could tell the world anything, what would it be?
I believe if you show up every day, treat people with kindness, and genuinely care about them, they will genuinely care about you. The world needs more people who see the good in others.