Riley Auton '25 Recruiting Profile

My name is Riley Auton and I am entering my senior year at North Oldham High School. From a young age, I have enjoyed the competitive nature associated with sports. While I have been a part of team sports, such as volleyball, I have favored sports in which I am competing with myself but within a team environment.  Since elementary school I have balanced USA year-round competitive swim and school sanctioned cross country, which I continued through 8th grade.  Entering high school, I thought I should narrow my focus and devoted all my time to swim.  However, something felt like it was missing, and I found myself drawn to anything related to running and realized that my physique and mind were better suited for running.  I returned to cross country as a sophomore and quickly recognized where my passion lied. I immediately set the 3K record for my school, earned a 5K time that placed me in the top five of the school record books, and made consistent PRs throughout the season.  Unfortunately, a lower leg and foot injury which I had been battling most of the season progressed and ultimately took me out of the regional race in which I had been ranked first seed, and should have ended my season.   Through sheer determination I persevered and competed in the state race on the varsity team, but of course not at the time I expected. While balancing running and swim I have maintained my position on the high school varsity swim team, even earning the Crown Trophy Female Athlete of the Month (2/2024) for my county.  I have found this balance to be a great way to cross train, which has helped me learn more about my body’s strengths and limitations.  This will be my third year being named captain of the Cross Country team and I have learned that I enjoy mentoring and leading just as much as competing.  Balancing three sports (xc, track and swim) has highlighted my passion for endurance sports, has served as an outlet for me, and has assisted me with implementing focus and structure, which generalizes to the classroom.  My goal is to continue this lifestyle into my next level of education, hoping to become a collegiate athlete. I am interested in joining a university team that will help me push myself to my full potential, provide a supportive environment, and challenge me with diverse training methods. I hope to become a good fit on a team, enjoy my time as a collegiate athlete and make my coaches and parents proud.