From dancer to volleyball star—she found her voice, her confidence, and her team. Kind, driven, unstoppable. Athlete of the Year.
Thank you for generously supporting Ryley in this year’s competition. Your support helps empower the V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Why Not You Foundation in their respective missions to save lives and empower today's youth to become tomorrow's leaders.
What she appreciates most about her sport is the abundance of opportunities it provides to join diverse teams and connect with individuals beyond her local community. She find genuine enjoyment in the game—not only because it’s fun, but because it offers a meaningful and fulfilling way to spend her free time. Practicing at home brings her a sense of calm and balance; it’s both mentally grounding and personally rewarding for her.
Her teammates and coaches continually inspire her, both on and off the volleyball court. Their dedication, support, and drive push her to grow not only as an athlete, but also as a person. Whether it’s learning to communicate better during a game or building confidence and resilience in everyday life, she’s motivated by the example they set and the strong sense of community they’ve built together.
Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it. After spending 11 years as a dancer, my daughter took a bold leap into the world of volleyball—and she’s been unstoppable ever since. Her determination and work ethic truly leave me in awe. In just two seasons, she’s already been recognized for her incredible growth, earning “Most Improved” her first year and “Rookie of the Year” the next. Her drive, resilience, and willingness to chase new passions make this mama’s heart burst with pride.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Youth Athlete of the Year, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.