KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- At the moment of her greatest professional success, University of Virginia women's basketball coach Debbie Ryan was aware of a great personal disappointment.

Ryan was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame on Father's Day weekend. But her father did not share in the joy of the moment. Thomas Ryan died unexpectedly of cardiac-related causes in 1998. He was 71. His death created a void in his daughter's life -- a void that exists to this day.

Induction weekend "would have meant everything to him," Ryan said. "He'd have been so proud. To share it with him would have been wonderful."

Ryan's family, friends and U.Va. comrades joined her on stage for photographs at the conclusion of the formal enshrinement ceremony. Thomas Ryan's absence rendered this happy scene somehow poignant.

Ryan, who owns 675 victories in 31 seasons, said her father was "a big part -- a very big part" of her career in athletics. She said one of her father's greatest strengths as a parent was "his willingness to let you find your own way.

"He never tried to force you. He never tried to tell you, 'Do it this way.' Once you made your decision, he was always there to do anything he could to help you succeed."

She said her father didn't shield her from the truth when her inclination toward athletics became apparent.

"He knew it was going to be hard. He knew it was going to be a struggle. I said, 'I don't care. This is what I love.' He said, 'Then do it the right way. Never hold anything back. Go full speed -- always."

Ryan heeded her father's advice as a youngster. As an adult, she is heeding it still.