Ryan Nelson joined the Illinois Tech coaching staff in 2005 as an assistant coach specifically to work with the Hawk divers. Prior to his arrival, Nelson served as an assistant coach at the University of Illinois (UIC) at Chicago from 1999-2000.

As an athlete, Nelson brings a legacy of success to the Hawks. A former all-conference diver at UIC, Nelson was a four-year letter-winner for the Flames from 1995-1999. During his tenure, he was a four-time NCAA Zone Championship Qualifier and a three-time All-Midwestern Collegiate Conference selection. Nelson served as the Flames co-captain during the 1998-99 season and was named UIC Athlete of the Year.

Nelson also works as an undergraduate counselor in the Office of Admission.