Riya Donnelly '22 Recruiting Profile

Dear Coaches, 

My name is Riya Donnelly, and I know I would be a great addition to your basketball team. I have been playing basketball for several years now, and though I started playing competitively later than most girls, I have put in more time and effort to make sure I am a great player and teammate. I am dedicated to becoming a great basketball player above anything else. 

Basketball has been a true passion of mine since elementary school, and when the opportunity came to play on a competitive team I took it without hesitation. The team I started off with was three years older than me, and way more skilled than I was. After the first practice, I knew in order for me to keep up with my teammates, and to make a difference on the court, I needed to work on my game. I spent hours in a gym with my dad, my personal coach, and cheerleader, and by the next game became a consistent starter on the team. I have only improved since then, in Grade 8 I led my team to the first championship for our school in 17 years. In Grade 9, I continued to play up a year and began playing a new position, the small forward. After realizing I was stronger than most girls, I used this to my advantage and played "bully-ball." Last year, as the only starting grade 10 on the varsity team I had to step up my game all around the court. I was practicing with players who have played together for years, and I was the odd man out. I spent extra lunch hours, weekends, and staying late after practice to make sure I improved. 

I am a player, coach, and ref. I know the challenges of all three jobs and I truly enjoy what I do. In practices and games, I bring a positive competitive edge to the team, while being a good teammate. I never think negatively about someone, and strive to keep a positive atmosphere. I bring energy into a game, whether it be from scoring on the court to blocking a shot or cheering from the sidelines. I do not like losing, in fact, I detest losing. However, I am not a poor sport, I just like winning and will work harder than anyone else on and off the court to make sure I win.  

I know that to get better you have to learn from everyone, coaches, players, etc. I watch how professionals play and try to replicate the moves they do into my own game.

I have the drive to be the best at what I do, no matter the challenges that lay ahead. I am top in all of my classes, first to volunteer for extra work, and make sure all my work is held at a high standard. I am a scholar-athlete and will continue to be until I graduate. Recently, I won the Student-Athlete of the Year award from Oak Park, and it is the highest achievement I could have gotten for someone my age, it tests your academics, your leadership, and your athletic performance. For my few years left in high school, I am determined to set a good example and be a role model for the athletes I coach and compete with. 

Because of these qualities I know I would be a great addition to your team. I am driven to be the best in my activities and will continue to strive to succeed for years to come.