When most people get drafted and become professional athletes, there is an adjustment period to the added notoriety that comes along with a life in the spotlight. Rookie Dash forward Ryan Gareis is one player whose adjustment period has not been as extreme, considering she has been in the spotlight for quite a while.
Gareis, a graduate of the University of South Carolina, is a TikTok influencer, with her videos already having garnered over 800 million views. While that is an incredibly high number of views, Gareis takes it all in very coolly.
“It’s just a fun outlet and something cool to do,” Gareis said. “My major in college was advertising and I was always kind of interested in the creative side of that, all the pictures that went along with it. My minor was photography, so I think that kind of correlated and went into my social media. So, I really liked all the photos on Instagram and then when TikTok came out my teammates at South Carolina got together and did a lot of TikToks. Those sort of went viral and then from there I’ve continued on my platforms from there.”
Of course, TikTok is only a side hustle for the Naperville, Illinois native. Since joining the Dash, her primary focus has been on figuring out how to adjust to the heightened expectations that come with being in a professional environment. So far, Gareis says that she has relied on the advice of her teammates and coaches to help her make this transition as smooth as possible.
“I’ve loved it so far. The girls have been so welcoming and so nice, and I’ve already learned so much from them and from coach James (Clarkson),” Gareis said. “I’m rooming with Joelle Anderson, and she’s been such a great roommate. So, the transition has been honestly much easier than I thought it would be. The training has obviously been very challenging and intense, but I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Gareis is not the only Gamecock who recently joined the Houston Dash. New team President Jessica O’Neil is also a USC graduate, a similarity that Gareis takes pride in.
“I think it’s so cool that we’re representing the school,” Gareis said. “I had such a good experience there and took my fifth year there because of how much I enjoyed my experience. So, getting to see another person and part of the program who went there is really cool to see.”
With her contract signed, Gareis can now fully focus on her work on the field. She says that she is doing everything she can in the offseason to hopefully help the team out as best she can.
“I’m so excited for the season. I hope to make any impact I can in any way I can,” Gareis said. “I can’t wait to keep learning from the girls so that when I do get my chance, hopefully I can make the best impact, and a significant one.”
