Riley Doyle-Odenbach ‘17 Recruiting Profile

Personal Statement

    Impact player.  This is a term that has been used to describe me by a number of coaches.  My goal is to always make an impact and to control the game on the defensive end.  I am typically tasked with shutting down the opponent’s top offensive threat.  It has been said that my basketball experience has given me a knack for anticipating plays, taking good angles, moving my feet well and playing physically without penalties.  Versatile is another term frequently used to describe me.  I have worked hard on improving my stick and shooting skills and I can make an impact as a midfielder.  I have excellent speed, quickness, strength and stamina and use my left hand extremely well, again thanks to many years on the basketball court.  I am smart and strong with the ball and I don’t panic under pressure.  I see the field well and I am an excellent passer.  I move well without the ball and I typically do not make mental errors and can also take the draw.  Coaches have always complimented me on my level of coach-ability, as I am all eyes and ears when a coach is making an adjustment to my game.  I take every correction and constructive criticism without emotion and apply it to my game.  I have also been told that I am a “throwback” athlete because I work hard on every aspect of my game and give maximum effort in practices.  I have no off switch and I don’t know how to give less than my best.  I don’t ever expect to be given anything; I have to earn it. 

    I have been playing organized sports since I was in kindergarten.  I started out in basketball and continued with that in school and travel.  I have also played softball, hockey, soccer, and ran track.  I am a coach’s kid so I have always had to work harder than everyone else to prove myself because a parent is always tougher on their own kid.  Hard work, intensity, aggressiveness and desire are qualities that set me apart. 

    I discovered lacrosse in 6^th grade and was hooked.  My total lacrosse experience is 6 years.  I played for a boy’s travel team 6^th- 8^th grade and transitioned to the girl’s game as a freshman.  I was immediately pulled up to varsity as a defender and played nearly every minute.  I was named the Most Improved Player that season for my ability to learn the game so quickly and make big contributions.  Lacrosse quickly became my passion and I knew I had to take my game to the next level, so I decided to try out for True Lacrosse IL.  I made the 2017 Elite team and became a starter and leader on the team.  I play both defense and midfield for True.  It is not unusual for me to start on defense and move to midfield as the first substitutions are made and then move back to defense.  It is my mission to play at the college level and be an impact player.  I know my best years of lacrosse are still ahead of me and I can be a great asset to a college team. 

    I am a serious student-athlete with a 4.7/5.0 GPA while taking all honors and AP courses.  I am in the top 10% of my class and a member of the National Honors Society.  I was also selected to be a member of our Student Athletic Leadership Council (formerly part of the J. Kyle Braid organization) and tutor in my school’s literacy lab, while also volunteer coaching girl’s basketball & lacrosse.  My career goal is to work in the medical field as a physician assistant.