Interview with SHS Softball Player Riley Davies

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Welcome back to the Spring Edition of Off the Reels. This week, I am featuring a junior who found her way back to the sport she loves.




Meet SHS Softball Player Riley Davies…


Softball story:

When Riley was 5 years old, she started tee ball because her older sister Lizzy played, and Riley looked up to her. (Check out Lizzy’s interview from the 2021 Spring Edition!) By the time she was eight, Riley advanced to play travel softball, but she quit when she was just 12 years old. She was mentally exhausted and didn’t think she would ever play again. After some thinking, Riley decided to try out for the Springboro team her freshman year with hopes of playing on the same team as her sister Lizzy. Unfortunately, an ACL injury from basketball pushed this plan back to her sophomore year when Riley tried out and made varsity. Last season, she played in the outfield, and she is playing third base this year. 


Riley’s favorite memory from playing with the Panthers:

Riley’s favorite memories are the annual team sleepovers at her house before the first early morning practice of the season!


Riley’s role model:

Riley looks up to several people, but most of all, she looks up to her mom. Riley described her mom as a selfless person who never gives up.


How softball has changed Riley’s life off the field:

During the softball season, Riley is consumed by the sport and devotes most of her free time and thoughts to it. This focus has its pros and cons, but Riley noted that the biggest impact of softball is the escape that it brings her. She said, “it really is kind of like my escape from reality; it’s almost like my therapy.” In my opinion, playing a sport that turns into a haven is one of the coolest things about sports, and Riley found that in softball.


Riley’s goals for next season:

Next season will be Riley’s senior season, so I asked her what she is looking forward to and what goals she is striving for. This year, the Panthers softball team does not have any seniors, so Riley is excited to play with the same group of girls and to have the opportunity to bond over the course of two seasons. Personally, Riley’s goal is to raise her batting average. With her team, Riley wants to win first place in GWOC and to advance as far as possible in the state tournament. 


Riley’s high school accomplishments that she is most proud of:

Riley is most proud of her accomplishments during her first year back on the softball diamond, playing high school softball for the Panthers. Not only did Riley make varsity, but she was a starter and led the batting order. I can’t wait to see what Riley accomplishes in the rest of her softball career!


Riley on playing with & without her sister:

Riley and Lizzy were able to play on the same team for one year before Lizzy graduated, so I asked Riley how this season is different without her sister and what she likes and dislikes about being on the same team with a sibling. This year has definitely been different for Riley because Lizzy was her “built-in best friend” on the team. They always listened to the same music and hyped each other up before games. They were also able to accomplish goals together and cheer each other on. According to Riley, the only drawback about playing together was that they sometimes took their frustrations out on each other because they were around each other so often.


Riley’s favorite victory snack:

With no hesitation, Riley said, “definitely something sweet like ice cream or candy.” I have to agree with Riley on this one!


Riley’s advice for softball players/athletes:

When Riley quit softball in middle school, she did not anticipate wanting to play again, but she quickly realized how much she missed it. Speaking from experience, Riley’s advice for athletes is: “definitely don’t give up on yourself or quit because the minute you do, you’re really going to regret it.” If you find yourself in the same position as Riley, use her story as inspiration that you can play the sport you love again and be successful.



Good luck to Riley and the Panthers as they advance in the postseason tournament!

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