Ryan Hage Spreading Peace Through Basketball

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Bronx, N.Y. (February 13, 2015) – For most business majors, the plan is to get a degree, land a position with a large financial firm and work your way up the corporate ladder. That was the original strategy for former Fordham men's basketball player Ryan Hage, who played for the Rams from 2008-2012, going from a walk-on freshman to a scholarship team captain as a senior.
 
Hage took a job with Citibank following graduation from the Gabelli School of Business in 2012, serving as a credit analyst. But after 18 months with the firm, he felt something was missing.
 
"I was at my desk one day and realized I did not have that sense of fulfillment in what I was doing every day," said Hage. "My parents have always been the type to do something they have a passion for. I found out about PeacePlayers and thought I would enjoy coaching little kids more than looking at a computer screen every day. I love children and the game of basketball so it was a no-brainer."
 
PeacePlayers International is a non-profit organization that brings children from communities in conflict together to play basketball. The coaches and mentors work year round to unite, educate and inspire young people to create a more peaceful world.
 
Below is a blog entry on Hage that appeared on the PeacePlayers International page:
 
On an island that has been has been divided for over 40 years, young Turkish-Cypriot and Greek-Cypriot children play the game of basketball together and, at the same time, break barriers that have been up for decades. Coach Ryan Hage, GSB'12, is encouraging the kids on the sideline with his usual eccentric demeanor.
 
Hage is in the middle of a fellowship with PeacePlayers International, a nonprofit organization that brings children together from communities in conflict to play basketball. The organization was founded on the belief that children who can play together can live together. The country of Cyprus broke out in a civil war in 1974 that divided the island and over the years the tension of meeting the "other side" has grown. PeacePlayers gives the kids an opportunity to finally interact with that other side of the island.
 
After making the team as a walk his freshman year at Fordham, Hage was given a full scholarship and named team captain his senior year. He graduated in 2012 with a degree in Finance and worked for Citibank for 18 months before realizing that something was missing. He heard about PPI and decided to make a big change. "I was 22 and making great money and living in the greatest city in the world but still felt like something was missing. I learned about PeacePlayers and how I could help others through the sport of basketball and knew this is what I have to do."
 
As an American fellow, Hage serves as a mentor and role model while sharing his basketball expertise. His father, Charlie, was a basketball coach for over 40 years so coaching is in the bloodline. He has two teams and also helps organize and implement major events that bring both communities together like tournaments, leadership retreats, and a summer camp. Also, he uses that Finance degree as the Head of Finance for the organization.
 
"I have the greatest job in the world." says Hage. "I have seen firsthand how basketball can change perceptions and create friendships. The work that PeacePlayers accomplishes in Cyprus and around the world is amazing. Two kids may not speak the same language, but basketball is the only thing they need to start the process of becoming lifelong friends."
 
Hage credits Fordham for instilling a sense of giving back after seeing how much the basketball team gave back to the Bronx in his four years there. From clinics for disadvantaged youth to giving presents to sick children at St. Barnabas Hospital, it was a top priority of the coaches and university to always make time to help others.

To honor Hage's dedication to PeacePlayer International, the Rams will be collecting donations for the organization at this Sunday's game with Saint Joseph's in the Rose Hill Gym.
 
To read more about Hage's experience, check out this blog when he was three months into working with the organization: http://blog.peaceplayersintl.org/2014/04/25/checking-in-with-ppi-cy-fellow-ryan-hage/

To learn more about what Ryan is doing with the organization and how you can help visit http://www.peaceplayersintl.org/our-programs/cyprus