University of Maryland Athletics

Ammerman began his second coaching tenure with his alma mater, UC Irvine, where he became an assistant ahead of the 2023 campaign. The Anteaters finished with an 18-11 record as the team advanced to the Big West Tournament title game. He first joined the Anteaters' bench from 2013-14 as a volunteer assistant coach.

Prior to joining UC Irvine's staff, Ammerman shined on the court for the Anteaters from 2004-09, leading them to their first two NCAA Championships in 2007 and 2009. As a setter, he earned First Team All-MPSF, AVCA First Team All-American and NCAA Most Outstanding Player honors in 2009.

"Maryland is getting the whole package with Ryan," said UC Irvine Head Coach David Kniffin. "Experienced enough to lead. Humble enough to learn. Competitive enough to find ways to win. Secure enough to not be defined by the outcome of a contest. Now you've got another guy in your ranks with championship experience that won't be satisfied with winning alone. He'll challenge you to keep getting better."

After graduating, Ammerman played professionally in Spain, Sweden, Slovenia, Italy, Belgium and Croatia. In Croatia, he was the member of two championship squads in 2011 and 2013. On the international stage, Ammerman was a member of the United States Men's National Team from 2010-15, where he helped the US win the Pan Am Cup Championship in 2012.

"When I recruited Ryan Ammerman off the grass courts of Colorado, I never thought the bleached blond pooka shell wearing negative jumper would become the dynamic, creative, thoughtful, confident coach that he is today," said USA National Team Head Coach John Speraw. "His journey has been remarkable and will provide context for the women he coaches. His intellectual pursuit, fueled by the passion he has for the craft, is an asset to the University of Maryland. In my mind, his perspective on the game is unique and I have come to count him as a trusted advisor and lean on his insights for my own programs. I am proud of the coach and man Ryan has become and I am excited for what comes next in his continued remarkable journey. Congratulations to Coach Hughes and the University of Maryland on an outstanding hire. You will be proud of him, too." 

In addition to his collegiate and international coaching experience, Ammerman worked as a coach for many years at the club level. Most recently, Ammerman worked at Front Range Volleyball Club (FRVBC), where four teams earned bids to the USAV Junior National Championships during his tenure. Ammerman also guided the Elevation Volleyball Club in Engelwood, CO and the Balboa Bay Boys Volleyball Club in southern California.