Gold Coast Hurricanes Fastpitch Organization
Name: Riley Waters
Nickname: Riles
Hometown: Fruit Cove, Florida
Grad Year: 2024
Travel Team: Gold Coast Hurricanes 18u Hammonds
High School: Creekside High School
Positions: Outfield / 2B/ UTL
Height: 5’ 5"
Bat/Throw: Right Hand Batter/Thrower
Overhand Velocity: 68 mph
Exit Velocity off Tee: 63 mph
Home to First or 20 yds: 2.80 seconds
Intended Study Major: Interior Design
Email: rileykatherinew@icloud.com
Twitter: @RileyKWaters
Instagram: rileykatherinee
Recruiting Site: https://rileykwaters.com/
Who is Riley Waters?
I started playing softball when I was 6 years old and have played rec ball, school ball, and travel ball ever since. I’ve played in my age bracket until I was 13, when I decided to play up to improve and challenge myself. When I was 15, I started playing on an 18U team and have for 2 years now and I’ve been very successful.
I’m a Junior now and have been a starter on my H.S. team since my Freshman year and I’m now team captain as a Junior. My goal is to play D1 Softball and I’m in the process of looking for a school and softball program that is the best fit for me academically and athletically.
One thing that I really enjoy doing when I’m not practicing or playing is working with Special Olympics kids to help encourage them and teach them that they are the same as everyone else and they can achieve all their athletic goals. I’ve been able to teach them the game of Softball and they have learned to love it as much as I do!
How did your softball journey begin?
When I was 6 years old my dad took me in our back yard, my dad said I threw pretty hard for my age so he signed me up to play rec ball in Jackson, Wisconsin.
Riley with her friends/teammates
What are your greatest strengths as a softball player?
My greatest strengths would be my speed and my strong arm. My coaches tell me they love my leadership and positive attitude.
What kind of hitter are you and what are your most recent offensive stats?
I hit for average and for power. 16YO playing 18U:
AB: 34, BA: .382, OBP: .475, H: 13, 1B: 9, 3B: 3, HR: 1, RBI: 8, R: 11
Riley hitting a Homerun
You’re obviously very busy with so many activities and events in your life. How do you balance your life and manage your time so effectively?
I make sure I make time for everything. I have a plan and make sure I’m with family and friends just as much as I’m playing softball.
Describe your gameday mental preparation and your thought process and mindset in the batters box.
Before every game I pray to God that my team and I have a safe, fun time together. I try and tell myself there is no “I” in team and everyone makes mistakes. I’m confident stepping into the game and walking out no matter the circumstances. As I walk up to the box I keep my head up and think positive, I tell myself I just need a base hit and I clear my mind from everything else.
What is your favorite sports memory and greatest achievement?
USA Softball Nationals in Richmond, VA – Taking 4th place was a great memory and probably my greatest team achievement. Also, my greatest achievement is how far I have come as a player and person.
USA Softball Nationals in Richmond, VA - Riley with her father
How do you handle adversity and even failure?
When I fail I try not to dwell, it was one game, one error. I learn from it and try again.
How would your teammates and friends describe you?
They would say I’m a leader, very loud and energetic. I’m always positive and never have an ounce of negativity shown on my face and in my words, I have a good body language.
Creekside H.S. Team and Gold Coast Hurricane Travel Team
Who is your role-model and or idol and why?
My role model would be my dad and coach Kevin, they are both positive and do anything in their power to make me a better person and player. They teach my life lessons through the game of softball.
If you could spend a day with any softball player, former or current, who would it be and why?
Kylie Hammonds, because she’s my former teammate and best friend and inspires me to work hard every day and keep working towards my goals. Kylie currently plays for Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Softball.
Best Friends (w/Kylie Hammonds)
What is your softball dream/goal?
My goal is to play at the next level and learn from the best. Learn more and more each day and get opportunities some girls didn’t have the chance to experience.
What is your favorite jersey number and why did you choose it?
#26, I was born on November 26 and I’ve had it ever since I started playing and it’s also an even number.
What other hobbies do you have to balance out softball and your personal life?
One thing that I do that I love is Special Olympics. It’s an organization that allows me to help teach and hangout with kids with disabilities at my school.
Who would you like to thank for your softball achievements and support?
My dad, he has gone above and beyond to make sure I have everything I need to make it to the next level. He tries to learn and do research everyday so he knows what and how to do things regarding getting me to the next level. He pushes me to strive for my goals and never give up. When one door closes another door opens.
Riley's Family
Additional Information About Riley Walk up Song: Up The Smoke (clean) - Offset
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Song: Don’t think Jesus and Flower Shops (Morgan Wallen)
Favorite Music Artist: Morgan Wallen
Favorite Sports Team: Green Bay Packers
Favorite Sports Celebrity: Jocelyn Alo
Favorite Movie: Top Gun II
Favorite Sports Movie: A League of Their Own
Favorite TV Show: Greys Anatomy
Favorite Book: 50 Things That Really Matter
Favorite Travel Spot: New York City
Favorite Quote: “Everything happens for a reason” – Anonymous
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