Ryan Polley

Biography

AWARDS • 2022 Patriot League Coach of the Year • 2022 New England Coach of the Year • 2019 New England Division I Coach of the Year • 2017 Patriot League Coach of the Year • 2017 New England Division I Coach of the Year Ryan Polley was named the inaugural head men's lacrosse coach at Boston University on June 21, 2012, and the program has continued to reach new heights in his 12 seasons at the helm. In 2025, Polley guided the Terriers to their second straight Patriot League title game appearance. BU earned a bye to the semifinals thanks to a 6-2 league record during the regular season, good for second place. Polley coached the Patriot League and ECAC Rookie of the Year, Timothy Shannehan, who was also a First Team All-Patriot League honoree. Five of Shannehan's teammates also earned All-PL status, with goalkeeper Wlll Barnes ending his career as an Inside Lacrosse and USILA All-American. The Terriers' freshman class garnered national respect in 2025, with Shannehan (No. 1), Madden Murphy (No. 20) and Andrew Pape (No. 36) being named to Inside Lacrosse's final freshman impact rankings. Under Polley's tutelage, BU boasted the top man-up unit in the nation during the 2025 campaign. BU was also the third-best riding team in the country and finished eighth in the nation in ground balls per game. Polley coached BU to its second Patriot League title game appearance in three years during the 2024 campaign. Six Terriers earned All-Patriot League and All-New England honors, with four o