#UHGrad Series: Elvin Reflects on Growth, Journey Ahead

In conjunction with the University of Houston's May commencement ceremonies, UH Athletics is celebrating its standout graduates who have shined in the classroom and in the arena of competition with our #UHGrad Series.

HOUSTON – In Ryan Elvin's Round Rock, Texas, household growing up, the rule was simple.

"I graduated at the top of my class in high school because my dad always had a 'no A, no play rule,'" Elvin said. "In high school and middle school, I never got a B because I couldn't play basketball if I got one."

That work ethic, and academic discipline, paid off for Elvin who earned his Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration from the University of Houston in just three years (May 2023) and is 12 credits shy of tacking on a Master of Science in Management and Leadership.

According to Elvin, who is transitioning into a graduate assistant role for Houston Men's Basketball ahead of the 2024-25 season, many traits he has applied in the classroom have been learned firsthand from decorated Head Men's Basketball Coach Kelvin Sampson.

"Coach Sampson is the same every day," Elvin said. "He never changes so he expects the players to do the same. [It's all about] Bringing everything you have to the table daily, not having too many ups and downs. Also, how to prepare for games and prepare for anything you're doing in life."

Elvin's journey to his University home from Cedar Ridge High School was not always easy. The Cougar fan-favorite received looks from Division II and Division III schools as a junior. Ultimately, attendance at an NCAA Basketball Academy, at the University of Houston, altered his course.

"Someone told Coach Kellen [Sampson] to check me out because they thought I would be a good possible walk-on fit," Elvin said. "He came to see me play a few times there at the camp and I did well, so he reached out to me. At the time, I didn't really know too much about walking on."

The recruiting process began from there, with Elvin taking unofficial visits to Houston, still uncertain if he wanted to turn away major playing opportunities at the Division III level for a different role and Division I experience. The Cougars' family feel and program prowess won out.

"After I visited and experienced the family atmosphere and the facilities, I felt like Houston gave me the best possibility of being the best player I could be," Elvin said. "I always had a dream of being D1. I really wanted to see how good of a basketball player I could be and tap into any potential I had so UH gave me the best choice. Just being around the team and those guys, it was a family culture from Day 1. The moment I visited, I felt welcomed in. I was grateful for the opportunity and couldn't pass it up."

With his student-athlete experience behind him, one which included All-Academic honors each of his final three seasons in The American alongside 175 minutes played across 60 games, and a clutch free throw to help vault Houston to the Sweet 16 just over one month ago, Elvin now preps for his coaching career.

"It's going to challenge me in a different way," Elvin said. "I'm just looking forward to starting my coaching career under Coach Sampson and his staff because they do everything the right way. Seeing how they go about everything during four years from a player perspective. Now from a coach's perspective, I'm really looking forward to that."

From a self-proclaimed shy and reserved freshman to a confident graduate and soon-to-be coach, Elvin cherishes his experience on Cullen Boulevard and how Houston Men's Basketball shaped him.

"I was a little shy and reserved when I got there, but it really helped me get outside my comfort zone and find my voice as a leader such as this past year," Elvin said. "It's a real loving culture. Everyone does the same stuff, so you grow closer to each other. Not only are we close, they help push you to new heights. It's been a joy just being able to call all my teammates a family. Having relationships that will last long past just playing four years."

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