Q & A with Riverside Lady Rebel Ryley Eakins.
By: Easton Fletcher In summary how would you describe your sports career as a Riverside Rebel? What has been your most memorable moment and what is something you still feel like you have left to accomplish? I have been very fortunate to be a part of some very successful teams at Riverside. In softball, we’ ve won state twice, and in basketball, we’ ve always played deep into the state tournament, and not many people can say that they’ ve had the opportunity to do that. Not only have my coaches pushed me to be better and more confident in myself, but so have my teammates. Riverside has given me a loving, hard-working environment that I feel has really helped me grow as a person and teammate. While actually playing in the games is an amazing experience, I think the most memorable moments I’ ve experienced as a Riverside athlete have been just spending time with my teammates in the locker room, the dugout, and on the bus rides. We’ ve always been more like family than teammates, and that has been the most rewarding thing, knowing that I’ ve been surrounded by people who truly care about each other, on and off the field and court. This year, I’ m just going to try to be the best leader and teammate that I can possibly be for my team. You have always played softball for your dad. What has that experience been like? Is it challenging at times when fans are hard on coaches? Is it rewarding knowing you have your biggest supporter by your side? Honestly, playing softball for my dad has been a great experience that I am blessed to have had. It’ s definitely not always been easy; sometimes, fans or even other players can be tough on coaches, and I feel that watching my dad handle it with poise that he has over the last couple of years has really stuck with me. Just knowing that my biggest supporter is right there in the dugout, pushing me to be my best, is something that I am glad to have been given the opportunity to experience. He knows me better than anyone— when I need encouragement, when I need to be challenged, and when I just need someone to believe in me. Even on the hardest days, I wouldn’ t trade the memories I’ ve made with him as my coach for anything. Discuss the upcoming basketball season and your role on the team this season? What do you need to do to ensure your team has a successful season?