Editor’s note: This story was published on The Delta Statement by Emma Greene, Staff Writer.
Cleveland, Miss. – Delta State Junior Ryan Whaley highlights that the student experience doesn’t have to disappear simply because he is a student athlete.
Whaley, a [member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon] and Junior Aviation Management major originally from Monroe, MI first heard about Delta State University because of its dive program. Although his hometown is an entire twelve-hour drive from Cleveland and Delta State University, he has found that the university makes it possible to enjoy a student experience even while heavily involved in athletics. When visiting the school, Whaley immediately noticed the tight knit community and southern hospitality that Cleveland has to offer. He also found the members of the Swim and Dive team, of which he is now part of, to be welcoming and encouraging.
Since arriving at Delta State University in the fall of 2022, Whaley has become involved in various aspects of the campus, leaving his mark on the school in many ways. When asking about his involvement at Delta State, Whaley stated, “I enjoy being involved at Delta State University because I have been given the chance to enhance my social skills and meet all different types of people. Being involved at the university has shown me the value of the local community, as well as the impact I can make on the lives of my peers.”
As a member of the Dive team at Delta State, Whaley found immediate success. His first year at the school, he placed second at the NSISC Conference Championships in the 3-meter diving event, as well as third in the 1-meter diving event. In addition to these achievements, Whaley achieved qualifying scores for the NCAA Division II National Championships, where he scored in the 3-meter diving event. He continued this success during his Sophomore season, again achieving qualifying scores for the NCAA Division II National Championships, where he would go on to score points in both diving events. In addition to this, Whaley has served as a Men’s Team Captain for Delta Swim and Dive during both the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons. Through these responsibilities, Whaley has demonstrated his leadership skills and success as an athlete among his peers.
Whaley’s athletic achievements carried on to his junior season, where he won first place in the 3-meter diving event at the NSISC Conference Championships, while also placing second on the 1-meter event at the same meet. His placing, along with scores that yet again qualified him for the NCAA Division II National Championships resulted in Whaley receiving the Diver of the Meet award at the 2025 NSISC Conference Championships.
Aside from athletics, Whaley has become involved in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at Delta State University. After joining the fraternity in the spring of 2023, Whaley has participated in several community service projects and campus events. This includes working The Big Green Event in both 2023 and 2024, as well as assisting with freshman move in day in both 2024 and 2025. Whaley has supported Sigma Alpha Epsilon in their philanthropic engagements, as the fraternity is partnered with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Events such as the Miracle Man Benefit Event and SAE’s Paddy Week are just some of the fundraising efforts that Whaley has been part of. Whaley also serves as the Correspondent for Sigma Alpha Epsilon, where he oversees the writing of thank you letters to local businesses and organizations that support Sigma Alpha Epsilon and its events.
Aside from his roles on the Swim and Dive team and in Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Whaley works on campus as a lifeguard. In this role, he is responsible for looking after the Ronald Mayers Aquatics Center during lifeguarding hours, as well as ensuring the safety of all Delta State University Students who choose to visit the pool.
Overall, Whaley’s commitment to Delta State University and involvement in multiple campus organizations demonstrates that Delta State is a place where student athletes can thrive in both their athletic, academic, and social pursuits.
