Ryan Tappouras

Brisbane, Australia, is Ryan’s hometown and one of the world’s leading sports cities, recently recognized as Australia’s top sporting capital and a major global hub for elite events. Growing up in a place where sport is part of daily life has shaped his competitiveness, physicality, and drive to constantly chase the next level. From this high‑performance environment, Ryan now takes the next step into U.S. college soccer.

Mercyhurst University is a private Catholic university in Erie, Pennsylvania, known for its 75‑acre hilltop campus overlooking Lake Erie and its distinctive English‑Gothic architecture. The university combines strong academic programs with a close‑knit community, offering degrees in areas such as business, sports science, intelligence studies, and criminology. For Ryan, that means a structured academic path while competing at the highest collegiate level.

On the field, Mercyhurst men’s soccer competes in NCAA Division I in the Northeast Conference and recently captured its first DI NEC regular‑season title. The program is in a growth phase at the D1 level, with a staff that emphasizes intensity, tactical discipline, and individual player development. By joining the Lakers, Ryan steps into a team building a new chapter in its history, with the opportunity to make an impact from day one.