Riley Ellis '24 Recruiting Profile

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has been a part of my life, since my earliest memories.  Concentration and sitting still were never my top achievements.  And for a long time, these deficits decreased my self esteem in the classroom.  But as the years have passed and I understood my weaknesses more and more, I was able to turn those weak spots into strengths in High School.  I am proud of the student that I have become and desire to improve my knowledge beyond High School.

Basketball and the other sports I have participated in, were my saving grace early on in my struggle with ADHD.  I was suddenly aware that I did belong somewhere important and that I could make contributions to a team both with my athletic skills and leadership abilities.  Thanks to my mom, she taught me that there was more to sports than just the actual game and winning.  That being a part of the team is about interacting with both coaches and teammates in a positive manner, so that productivity is always high.  Positivity is the difference between defeat and working harder the next time to be better than before.  Striving to maintain this is not always easy, as difficult people can interfere with camaraderie, but killing people with kindness and humor, goes a long way in cohesiveness and success.   She also taught me that as I improved as a player, so would others and that each person has something to contribute to the team as an athlete.  But not everyone is a leader.  Mom's influence and education forged me to want that as part of my character.  I am excited to exemplify leadership as captain of my team this upcoming year.

My future goal in academics is to put more time into my studies so that I can create the best possible future after sports.  My desire is to attain education in an area that allows me to work in the athletic world, in some form or another.  Currently I am enrolled in a sports medicine class and becoming an athletic trainer is very desirable.  

Playing ball in college is a goal that I have aspired to since my 8th grade year, when I was given the opportunity to play on the varsity team.  My work ethic is strong and unwavering.  An opportunity to display that to you and your school would be the best thing I could ask for, in my collegiate years.