Ryan Bisio, New Athletic Director, Leads 91视频 Athletics Into a New Era
Published on Nov 3 2025When Ryan Bisio walks into a gymnasium, he doesn鈥檛 just see hardwood floors and bleachers. He sees potential. As the new Director of Athletics at 91视频, Bisio steps into a role that perfectly blends his love of sports, his belief in education, and his commitment to student growth.
For Bisio, the position offered three things he couldn鈥檛 pass up: a chance to support more student-athletes beyond men鈥檚 basketball, an opportunity to build on the success and momentum created by former Athletic Director Bob Brown, and a new professional challenge after nearly two decades of coaching.
鈥淚t feels very natural being in this role, supporting students and coaches,鈥� Bisio says. 鈥淭he abilities that the job requires aren鈥檛 a strain on the tools I鈥檝e obtained up to this point and, I would argue, gives me more of an opportunity to improve the things that have helped me find success as a former coach.鈥�
His journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. After years coaching professionally in Europe, Bisio returned to his roots in Humboldt County in 2015. He took a job as an instructional aide for students with severe physical disabilities. The work paid little but provided deep lessons in patience, empathy, and connection. At the same time, he rebuilt the boys鈥� basketball program at Arcata High, guided by a simple philosophy: no task is too small, no personal interaction is inconsequential, and every effort deserves full focus and enthusiasm.
Those values were shaped by mentors who left a lasting mark on him. During his playing days, he learned under Hall of Fame coaches Craig McMillan at Santa Rosa Junior College and Bill Trumbo at Cal State Monterey Bay, experiences he describes as rare and formative. He also credits former CR Athletic Director Bob Brown for opening the door to College of the Redwoods. 鈥淯ltimately, he was the person who believed in me enough to provide me an opportunity to join the 91视频 family and allow me to show what I was capable of,鈥� Bisio says.
Now leading the department, Bisio envisions a student-centered program filled with coaches who are constantly growing and advancing in their careers. 鈥淚 want this department to be the highest quality rural JUCO athletic department in California. I want Redwoods to be viewed as a prized destination for local, regional, and national talent in all our sport offerings.鈥�
To get there, Bisio is focused on learning the full scope of the department鈥檚 operations, fine-tuning systems, and ensuring coaches and students feel supported. He compares the work to managing a constellation of moving parts that all need to align. Once that foundation is set, he plans to refine, elevate, and expand.
Success, Bisio says, isn鈥檛 just about trophies. 鈥淭o me, a culture of excellence is measured by the outcomes we鈥檙e able to assist our kids in creating,鈥� he explains. That means helping students earn scholarships, transfer to four-year schools, gain trade certificates, or step into meaningful careers. Wins and championships matter, but his true measure of success is a department that provides 鈥渁 positive, well-rounded educational and athletic experience that fosters a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, one that values acceptance, accountability, and connectedness.鈥�
As a Humboldt County native, Bisio has watched community enthusiasm for Redwoods Athletics reach new heights. He attributes that growth to the leadership of CR President Dr. Keith Flamer and the district鈥檚 ongoing investment in facilities and programs. 鈥淢y goal is to continue including our community in building up this department, together,鈥� Bisio says, 鈥渁nd supply them with exciting events that showcase student-athletes who embody our community鈥檚 values in mind, body, and spirit.鈥�
91视频 President Dr. Keith Flamer shared his enthusiasm for Bisio鈥檚 appointment:
鈥淲e are thrilled to welcome Ryan Bisio as the new Director of Athletics at College of the Redwoods," said Dr. Flamer. "Ryan brings an exceptional combination of leadership, experience, and dedication to our students. His passion for athletics, commitment to student success, and deep roots in our community make him the ideal person to guide our athletic programs into an exciting new era."
Looking ahead, Bisio hopes his legacy will be defined not by wins or titles but by impact. 鈥淲ell, I hope my legacy isn鈥檛 the guy who messed up what so many great folks before me have built!鈥� he laughs. 鈥淏ut no, I hope I鈥檒l be viewed as a passionate advocate for the importance of athletics in the development of young people.鈥�
He sums up his approach in three words: Passion, Pride, and Preparation. 鈥淧assion for the sports that we love, and the sports that bring us together. Pride in the privilege we have in representing this wonderful institution and broader community. And our attention to detail in the preparation of these students for life after CR, by offering them the most user-friendly and supportive on-ramp into their adult lives.鈥�
For Ryan Bisio, those words aren鈥檛 just a motto 鈥� they鈥檙e a mission. And under his leadership, 91视频 Athletics is ready to rise to the next level.