Ryan Backstrom is a devoted educator and coach who has spent over two decades making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people through physical education and athletics. Originally from Mississippi and raised in Glendale, Arizona, Backstrom’s journey is marked by a strong commitment to teaching, coaching, and fostering positive relationships within the school community.
His love for sports began early, playing baseball and basketball throughout high school and continuing his athletic career through college baseball. This passion naturally led him to pursue a career in education with a focus on physical education. Over the years, Ryan has taught at multiple schools, including a lengthy stint at a K-8 school, followed by high school teaching positions. He now dedicates his experience and energy to Mountain Ridge High School, where he continues to impact students’ lives positively. Building respectful and meaningful connections with students remains central to his teaching philosophy. He approaches education not merely as a job but as an opportunity to mentor and guide young people, leaving lasting positive impressions.
Backstrom’s coaching experience is extensive and varied, covering junior high and high school sports such as volleyball, basketball, and baseball. His leadership extends beyond the playing field, evidenced by his many years as an athletic coordinator and his ability to organize and manage athletic programs effectively. A key part of his coaching philosophy is teaching the value of teamwork and encouraging players to focus less on individual success and more on collective goals. While fostering this mindset can be challenging, Ryan finds great satisfaction in witnessing his players come together, bond, and create lifelong memories. This emphasis on relationship-building highlights his commitment not only to athletic skills but also to character development.
Backstrom’s inspiration to become a teacher comes from his family, particularly his grandmother who dedicated an entire career to education. This connection motivates him to continue the family legacy by positively influencing young lives. When asked about his favorite sport, Backstrom’s answer reflects a family-first attitude: he enjoys whatever sport his children are currently playing. His preferred sport in class, badminton, showcases his focus on activities that are fun, inclusive, and accessible to all students.
Challenges arise in both teaching and coaching. Backstrom finds supporting students who face difficult personal circumstances to be demanding. Additionally, managing distractions such as the frequent use of cell phones and earbuds in class requires creative strategies and patience. In coaching, the greatest difficulty comes from encouraging players to embrace teamwork over individual accomplishments. Despite these obstacles, Backstrom treasures the moments when his players develop strong bonds and shared experiences that endure well beyond their school years.
One of Backstrom’s most memorable experiences occurred when his entire family was part of the same school campus—he as a physical education teacher, his wife as a music and choir instructor, and their children as students. This unique occasion emphasized the deep commitment the Backstrom family has to education and the sense of community within the school.
Student reflections highlight Backstrom’s impact as well. Many students admire his teaching style, sharing how much they enjoy his class and respect him as a teacher. These positive testimonials show how Backstrom successfully creates an engaging and enjoyable environment where students look forward to physical education.
In summary, Ryan Backstrom represents a passionate teacher and coach whose career combines athletic expertise with a strong emphasis on relationship-building and mentorship. His dedication to fostering teamwork, character, and resilience shines through his work with students and athletes. Grounded in a family tradition of education and strengthened by years of diverse experience, Backstrom continues to be a positive influence, shaping the lives of young people both inside and outside the gym.
