By Derrick Smith

Athletes put in a lot of work in order to reach the goals that they have set for themselves. While that work is important in their growth as an athlete and a person, there is something else that plays a big part in that and that would be role models. 

“My dad is my biggest role model,” said Riley Nichols. “He pushes me to always be the best version of myself on and off the field. He has been my biggest supporter. Another role model is my volleyball coach, Lisa Stout, and my former soccer coach, Derek Phillips. They have helped me improve and always kept me on my toes. I appreciate them setting high expectations for me. It made me more excited and dedicated to my sports as their expectations gave me a challenge.”

Riley is a junior at Daniel Webster High School, where she plays volleyball and soccer. She has played volleyball for about five years, while she has competed in soccer for eleven years. 

“In soccer, I play mostly on defense,” she said. “But I have often switched around to every position. On the volleyball court, I am the main setter, and I mostly play offensive positions.”

There is a lot that goes into becoming the best athlete that you can be. Nichols says that for her, it has been three main things.

“I have spent a lot of time practicing,” she said. “And that means on top of organized team practices. I have also been dedicated, meaning that I may have to miss something that I really want to attend so I can practice. And finally, I have had to listen to constructive criticism. Not just listen to it, but absorb it and use it to make myself better.”

For Riley, there have been a lot of great and memorable moments that she has experienced over her athletic career. But her favorite moment is something that happens after each victory. 

“I have had plenty of amazing moments that I am very proud of,” Nichols said. “But the best is after a winning game, all my teammates come together and celebrate with big smiles on our faces and you can see that we are all proud of what we accomplished. That is my idea of a highlight moment.”