Ryleigh

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

Ryleigh loves to compete in her sports. Strives to be better than she was the day before. She enjoys building relationships with teammates/coaches. Ryleigh loves the challenges sports brings because there is always something to improve. Every game is different and each game brings different adversities to learn from. Sports teach her resilience, discipline, and accountability. Those lessons continue to make her a better person and athlete every single day.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

Off the field - Ryleigh's main inspiration is her Papa. He passed in 2019. He loved watching her play softball and race motorcross before he passed. Before every at bat, every football game, or track race she pays ohmage to him looking to the sky. He was and will always be her hero!

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

A moment that stands out most to me: one day Ryleigh could've been focused on her journey by working out, but she chose to attend a Special Needs Softball game to help the abled individuals learn the sport. The smile on her face brought me so much joy. Ryleigh has a Down Syndrome brother. Ryleigh cares more for others than herself. When she was asked if she wanted to participate in this activity, she didn't hesitate. Nor did anything else in her life matter but being on the field with them.