Tide Volleyball Adds Kentucky Standout to 2008 Signing Class
12/4/2007 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- University of Alabama head volleyball coach Judy Green announced the signing of the third member of the incoming class of 2008. Stephanie Riley, a setter from Louisville, Ky., comes to the Capstone after a stellar career at Assumption High School.
The 5-7 setter led her high school team to three consecutive Kentucky State Championships from 2005-2007 and a National Championship in 2005. Following her senior season, Riley earned a spot on the state and region all-tournament squads. Riley was also named to the All-State second team by the Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association in 2007.
“Stephanie is a true team leader who comes from one of the top national junior volleyball club programs and high school programs in the nation,” said Green. “She understands the commitment level necessary to compete for national championships and she has a strong desire to help Alabama reach the next level.”
Aside from her illustrious career at Assumption, Riley plays club volleyball for one of the most accomplished clubs in the nation in Kentucky Indiana Volleyball Academy (KIVA). During her career at KIVA, Riley led her team to three appearances in the national title match at the USA Junior Olympic National Championships in 2003, 2005 and 2007. The three-time USA Junior Olympic All-Tournament team member also placed third at the 2006 tournament. Riley also garnered MVP honors at the AAU National Championships in 2004, 2005 and 2007 and led her team to three AAU National Championships and one third place finish.
“What got my attention about Stephanie as a volleyball player is her competitive nature on the court and how she plays the game,” said Green. “She is an outstanding setter with great hands, great location, great leadership qualities and is a true team player. There is no doubt she wanted to be a part of Alabama volleyball.”
The National Merit Scholar holds down a 3.98 cumulative GPA at Assumption and has served on the National Honor Society and the Beta Club for the past three years. Riley plans to major in Engineering at the Capstone.
“Off the court she is an extraordinary student and person,” Green said. “She is the third Alabama signee to win a state championship during her high school season. She has the heart of a winner.”
