As Janet Cobb Ryerson sat watching her mentor Dorothy Crowley take her rightful place in the inaugural Cabrini College Athletic Hall of Fame, little did she imagine that someday she would be graced with the same honor.
Ryerson’s relationship with Crowley began at Cabrini Elementary School in New York City. As a sixth grader, Crowley instructed Ryerson’s physical education class, watching first-hand as the youth excelled in several sports. Years later, Janet captained the Cabrini High School squad as a junior and senior.
Fittingly, Ryerson was reunited with Crowley on Cabrini’s campus in 1957, hoping to be a part of something she felt was very special – Mother Ursula Infante’s dream of a Catholic college in the Philadelphia suburbs. She’ll never forget her first step on campus, finding inner comfort that she would be living Mother Ursula’s vision.
“I have always highly valued Mother Ursula’s ideals, example and expectations,” Ryerson said. “I am grateful that she gave me the opportunity to participate in athletics at Cabrini. I feel that God placed Mother Ursula in my life and led me to Cabrini where I could further develop as a student-athlete, living out traits of thankfulness, dedication and perseverance.”
Ryerson captained Cabrini’s first women’s basketball team in 1957-58, guiding a program that competed with such schools as Immaculata, Ursinus and Rosemont. Without a basketball facility on campus, the team practiced in local gyms and always played on the other school’s home court. Ryerson recalls, “we played with a lot of perseverance and heart.”
Ryerson’s leadership skills extended beyond the hardwood. She established the Cabrini Athletic Association, and, as President, spearheaded fundraising events, organized dances, and coordinated the intramurals program.
In 1961, Janet married Bob Ryerson. Their five children, Karen, Robert, Richard, Kenneth and Timothy, each competed in Division I athletics. In addition to raising this family, Janet taught special education in Maryland public schools for 30 years.
Today, Ryerson continues to honor the compassion instilled in her by Mother Ursula. In 2007, she and Bob, as active members of their church community, went to Nigeria on mission. Additionally, Janet coordinates a Special Needs Program at her church and serves as a substitute in the Public Schools.
All the while, Ryerson still finds time to entertain her 14 grandchildren.
