Bio

Steve Ruys joined College of the Canyons as the Dean of Physical Education, Kinesiology, Athletics, and Recreation Management in August 2021.

Ruys has worked in intercollegiate athletics since 1999, first starting as a track & field coach and then moving into his true passion, strength and conditioning.

He graduated from California Lutheran University in 1999 with his Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine. Steve was a dual-sport athlete and a student athletic trainer at the LU. He played defensive back for the football program and threw the javelin for the track & field program. 

In 2002, he moved to California State University, Northridge, as the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach and began working toward his Master's in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Biomechanics. 

In April of 2004, Ruys was hired as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach and Fitness Center Coordinator for Los Angeles Pierce College. After five years as a Brahma, Coach Ruys moved to Los Angeles Mission College to take over as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach and Fitness Center Coordinator. 

Because he loves education so much, he went back to school to pursue a Masters of Education in Athletic Administration at Fresno Pacific University. 

During that time Ruys was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director in the Fall of 2011 and later named Director of Athletics in the Fall of 2013. He also served as a tenured faculty member in the Health and Kinesiology department, Co-Faculty Lead in the Guided Pathways Initiative, and Department Chair for the Health and Human Performance Department. 

After 12 years at Los Angeles Mission College, Ruys accepted his current position at College of the Canyons.

Ruys has been married to the love of his life, Jasmine, since August 2002. He swept her off her feet while both were attending California Lutheran University. They live in Valencia with their two beautiful children, Sophia (15) and Olivia (14), and their three dogs, Roxy, Timber, and Scobby. 

Steve believes he is a great fisherman, still an athlete, and loves reading.