- 2021 Highlights
Personal Statement
My name is Riley Stevens (17 yrs old - birthday on Christmas). I’m a 2022 graduate 5’6 attacking midfielder/striker from Draper, Utah. I am the youngest in my family with an older brother and sister. My parents understand my potential and therefore have high expectations for me in both school and sports. I go to Corner Canyon High School in Draper and work hard to maintain a high GPA while taking concurrent college courses. My academic goals for high school and college are to finish with as close to a 4.0 as possible, and to always do my best, regardless of the circumstances. When I am not at school or at work, I love to workout at the gym, snow ski, and hangout with my friends, but above all that soccer is my number one. The joy and peace I feel when on the pitch is a feeling I am unable to attain anywhere else. I have a very high drive to be the best I can be on and off the field in play and in sportsmanship. For as long as I can remember, the thrill I receive from forming a good play or making a long run beating a defender has kept my love for the sport elevated, and can't imagine stopping anytime soon. To me the only thing more important than soccer is the sportsmanship the game has taught me over the last 13 years. The rhythm, the strategy, the flow and the hard work paying off on the field enchants me and I believe it always will. I will and can play any position as long as I'm on the field, I'm smiling and having the time of my life. I love medicine and the healthcare fields (completed my CNA certification and physical therapy aide certification this last year). I plan to major in something medical (nursing, Physical Therapy, ect) as the human body has always intrigued me and my parents are both nurses.
Soccer has influenced my life dramatically. I became intertested in soccer when I was 5, when my parents introduced me to this sport. I have learned to push myself beyond my limits through playing soccer. I have played on a competitive team for the last 9 years, and just finished my junior year as a starter on our 6A highschool soccer team. Over the years I have taken interest to refereeing which has enhanced my understanding of soccer as well. I have had to overcome some physical setbacks as most athletes do to get to where I am now. When I was 11, I stress fractured my tib/fib. It took me months to heal and battle back. Up until recently I was always the smallest girl on the field, which I never let get in my way. My nickname was “smalls” and I was super fast with amazing foot skills. I have since grown and am now stronger and faster than ever before. I look forward to playing in college to bring me to the next level. I am planning to attend a college that supports my educational and sports minded goals. Playing college soccer will continue to propel me in accomplishing goals as a team. Soccer continues to be a big part of my life and I look forward to it shaping my future success both on and off the pitch.
Coach Recommendation (Chris Agnello)
Riley is one of the best players I have coached at the youth level. Her best role is as an attacking midfield player and also excels anywhere on the attack. Riley is a strong athlete and extremely fit. Her workrate is second to none. She has a strong understanding of positioning when not in possession. Riley adapts well to her environment and is extremely coachable. She also brings great leadership and is very vocal. She is a tremendous asset to any team she is a part of and she does not concern herself with the small stuff. She simply gets on with the business of playing and is very focused. Having coached for over thirty years – I am confident Riley would be an amazing addition any collegiate team from NCAA D1 on down.
