One-on-one with Volleyball's Stephanie Riley
9/13/2011 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Sept. 13, 2011
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama setter Stephanie Riley is the lone senior on the 2011 volleyball team. During her time in Tuscaloosa, the Louisville, Ky., native has appeared in 85 matches, while playing more than 300 sets in her career. She entered her final season ranked 10th all-time in assists and with 235 assists this season, she had moved up to eighth on the list. Recently, Riley took the time to talk about this season, her Alabama experience, and a little more about herself.
How is your senior season going for you?
I've struggled a little bit with my defense and other aspect of my personal play. I've been trying to focus a lot more on that lately, and when we played SMU it was the first time all season I really felt like was in the zone, so to speak. I was struggling with it and it was frustrating getting through that. After that match, I now feel like I can work on some new things as start moving forward.
With three double-doubles in the Doubletree Invitational, do you feel your starting to understand the system?
There was a lot to get used to, especially for us who were with him (coach Allen) in the spring. We came in during the preseason and it was a completely different ballgame than it was in the spring, as far as the expectations and the practices, especially with the full team. Also, with some many new people it's more difficult to figure out how to work with each other and trust everyone on the court. Collectively, we've improved on that as a team over the past few matches.
What are your individual and team goals for this season?
My goals rely more on consistency. I need to get a lot more consistent with my set placement and my defense, staying low and being disciplined. My personal goals revolve around the team. Being the team captain this is what I think about 24/7. Personally, I would love to go to the tournament. We've set goals to defend the home court and have a winning season, which are absolutely the number one and two most important things. But for me, I've been her four years and never been to the NCAA tournament. That's one thing I would love to do.
What is your best memory playing volleyball at Bama?
The first thing that comes to mind is my freshman year when we ended up running a 5-1. We played Georgia at Georgia and it was the most intense 5-set match I've been part of in my time at Alabama. It was neck and neck until the very end, with one of the games going into the 30s. It was ridiculous and we ended up pulling it out in the end. It's a game I will never forget and my best experience so far.
What do you love about the game of volleyball?
My favorite aspect of the game is that you have to rely on your teammates. In other sports you can win a game with one star, but in volleyball you can't. You have to rely on your teammates. You have to play together and trust your teammates to get their job done, as well as doing your own job. That's the beauty of this sport, and there aren't many sports like that.
What do you do before a match to get you pumped up?
I'm not all that about superstititions. I fix my hair and put my lucky bow in and that's about it. I listen to music, I like Eminem and I listen to a lot of sports music.
What did you want to be when you were little?
I always wanted to be a vet. I've always had dogs growing up and have always been around animals. I always thought it would be so cool to work with animals, and every kid wants to be a vet. What's funny is when I was little and I told my dad I wanted to be a vet, he would say 'you're going to be an orthopedic surgeon,' because we were always around orthopedic surgeons. It ends up coming full circle, and by my own path, I end up deciding that's what I want to do, be an orthopedic surgeon.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I haven't traveled out of the country much, but I would just love to live somewhere tropical with nice weather and beautiful beaches. I'd love to lie on the beach all day if I could. I'm a scuba diver and it would be awesome to walk out of my back porch and have the beach there every day.
What do you like to do when you aren't playing volleyball?
This was the hardest question to answer. I just like to relax to be honest. Between school and volleyball, especially during the fall, there really isn't much time. I like to sit down and watch my favorite shows and hang out with my roommates. I like "Pretty Little Liars" a lot, but it's starting to get frustrating because they're not telling us the secret. I like to read, but I might get time to start a book, but I never get to finish it. I do like to shop, so if I get the chance I'll run up to Birmingham on occasion and do some damage. Forever 21 is a good place and I'm obsessed with shoes. I like to go to all the girlie shoe stores like Baker's and the department stores.
If you could meet anyone famous, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I would have to say Payton Manning. He's my favorite athlete and I'm a huge Colts fan. I think he's awesome and I like the way he conducts himself. He has a great sense of humor so I think he would be fun to meet.
Who is your role model or someone you look up to?
This is definitely my mom (Debbie). She's like superwoman. She has a career of her own and is at work all day, but still finds time to help me everything I need. My parents are coming to every match this year. She's amazing and she does more for our family than I could ever dream of doing. She's definitely my role model.
