Despite his love for hockey, Scott accepted his son’s decision to move away from the sport without complaint.

“He was very supportive,” Ryan says. “I pretty much explained that [hockey] was kind of his thing...He doesn’t care what I play. As long as I’m playing sports and competing, he loves to watch me play.”

“I was thrilled,” Scott adds. “I think [lacrosse] is a great game. I played a little bit of lacrosse when I was a kid. It’s very popular on the East Coast, so it was a good fit for him.”

But as a father, it was at times difficult for Scott to have his kids grow up while he would be away with the team.

“It was a little tougher, but my wife did a great job,” he says. “There’s no question you miss some things while you’re playing on the road, but I’m fortunate to be around more now when Ryan’s in college playing lacrosse. I’m able to see all or most of his games, which is nice.”

And it is where Ryan plays that makes Scott most proud. Ryan, a two-time letterwinner in high school, says his dad was especially thrilled when he got into Harvard.

“[My dad] pretty much is totally focused on athletics,” Ryan says. “He never did well in school, but it was always something he wanted me to focus on. He didn’t want me to put all my attention on being a good athlete. Me going to Harvard for athletics and academics met [my parents’] goals for me; [my dad] said it was one of his proudest moments.”

In fact, it is often Ryan’s efforts in the classroom that Scott has most admired.

“I’m proud of the way he works hard at school,” Scott says. “That’s probably what I’m most proud of—his work ethic and getting the grades he gets with hard work.”

Ryan has been equally successful on the field. After missing much of his freshman year with a fractured back, the midfielder has emerged as one of Harvard’s most dangerous offensive threats this season. The sophomore currently ranks fourth on the team with 13 goals and scored a career-high four times against No. 5 Cornell last weekend.

“It’s been awesome so far,” Ryan says. “I’m just trying to have fun because I’ve gotten injured in the past, [so] I’m enjoying the time I’ve been able to be on the field competing in games, and it’s going well.”

As a former athlete himself, Scott has taught his son a lot about competition.

“He put some time in this summer working out and did a lot of training,” the thirteen-time all-star says. “[So I’ve told him] to just put time in, work at the game, and try to be the best you can be.”

Ryan has taken the advice to heart.

“[He’s taught me to] lead by example, on and off the field,” the midfielder concurs. “That extends to all facets of playing...He was a terrific role model in terms of doing the right things to succeed athletically...He would always stop at nothing, he’d do whatever it took to improve his chances and show the team he was doing everything in his power to ensure success. So I really looked up to that; I’ve tried to mold my work ethic and leadership off of that.”