Rilee Runnels '25 Recruiting Profile

Ever since I was a young child I have grown cheer and participating in youth cheer camps. Starting then I aspired to become a cheerleader just like her when I got older. When I was ten years old I chose to do gymnastics which I did until 6th grade when I chose to tryout for middle school cheer which when I made the team I decided from that day on that I no longer wanted to do gymnastics so I officially switched over from gymnastics to cheer and I think that decision was one of the best of my life. From that day on I realized that I had a passion for cheer that I had never had for anything else before and I vowed to start then and work hard to get to where I want to be and to do it for little me who thought she had started too late to be able to get the opportunity to  compete on the next level. My mom always told me growing up that natural talent only takes you so far and to be able to reach the next level and be able to compete, you have to work at it and push yourself to always be your absolute best. I want to compete because although I have never had the opportunity, I belive that it will be something that I will truely love and a once in a lifetime experience that I will cherish for my whole life.

I think that I would be an asset not just as an athlete but also as a student because not only do I work hard in cheer but I also work just as hard to keep up my grades and to excel in my academics. One reason I would be an asset to the team is because I am always willing to try new things and take corrections from not only my coaches but also from my teammates. I work very well with people and I have been said to take on a leadership role and always try to help my teammates whenever I can and try to assist them to fully be able to use their ability and become the best athlete they can be. As a student-athlete, I always make sure to put my school work first and athletics second. I always turn my work in on time and organize my time properly to ensure that I get any and all assignments done on time and with my best effort. I am always willing to help a teammate who needs help with their work or studying and I am willing to take time with them to help them whenever it is needed. 

My goal is to join a team that I enjoy being with and that fits all my needs academically as well as to where the school is located. Since I am currently wanting to pursue a nursing or x- ray techniction degree I want to go to a school that offers those courses and majors. I do not exactly have certain preferences on a school other than it having the courses I need and the location I am wanting.  I would like to stay in Texas and with colleges closer to home because I am very family oriented but I am also open to colleges in Arkansas or Oklahoma but staying in Texas is something I am mostly interested in.