Darcy Riley

Name: Darcy Riley

School/Mascot: University of Wisconsin-Madison/Badgers

Sport: Soccer

Class:Senior

Current City: Madison, Wisconsin

Hometown: Akron, Ohio

Birth date: 10-6-88

Age: 21

Height/Weight: 5′7 135
 On your sport...

How long have you played soccer? What inspired you to play?

I have played since I was 4. My three older brothers all played so I followed their lead.

Where is your favorite place to play?

My favorite place to compete would be against any Big10 school.

What is your favorite number? Why?

7 (because I’m Irish and its lucky!) or 4 because that was my number since 7th grade.

Who is the best player you’ve played WITH and AGAINST?

With- Liz Secue (High School teammate-Currently plays for Purdue University W. Soccer) 

Against- Once you get to a higher level, you play against the top players in the nation all the time.. I couldn’t just name “one” player, there has been so many.

Do you have a pre-game ritual? If so, what is it?

Listen to my ipod and get focused

If you didn’t play soccer, what sport would you play?

Basketball! I was a point guard and loved it! Could never remember all the plays though.

What is the worst experienced you’ve had? What did you learn from it?

Probably a bad foot injury. I just had surgery on it not long ago, finally, but when it wasn’t fixed yet it would hurt all the time and I learned to play through the pain and not complain. I also realized there are bigger things than a foot injury.

Have you ever had an injury while performing your sport?

Yes, my foot injury. I had an extra bone removed and a screw put in to reconnect a tendon.

What do you consider as your greatest accomplishment?

Playing a Big10 sport is a huge accomplishment. It is a ton of work.

  
What is your most memorable moment? Why?

Winning State senior year and being voted #1 team in the nation with my team, Walsh Jesuit. Also – making it to the Sweet 16 last year with Wisconsin.

How has your sport helped you become who you are today?

Made the best friends ever, learned how to have time management, and become coachable and also a good teammate.

Behind your sport...

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Mostly just hanging out with friends

Name 3 Fun Facts about yourself that people may not know.

1. I am an early bird. Love the morning.

2. Have never tried a food I don’t like. Love all food.

3. Surprisingly I don’t like running! In an average soccer game u run 4-6 miles but I don’t like going for long runs. More of a sprinter girl.

Facebook or Twitter?

More facebook but BOTH!

Ps3 or Xbox or neither?

Xbox

What is your favorite part about college?

My team and the amazing spirit at this school. It’s awesome.

Who is the most influential person you’ve met? Why?

My dad. He is such a cool guy who stays calm in every situation and keeps me positive all the time.

What do you value the most?

My family

What is your major? Why did you choose it?

Education. Because I love kids and teaching!

Outside of your sport, what are your visions/goals in life?

To be happy!! Get married and teach my kids how to play soccer!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I have no clue! Well have to see!

When it comes to women’s soccer, the #20 ranked Wisconsin Badgers are nothing to play with! Senior, Darcy Riley and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Badgers women’s soccer team are currently in season and are trying to build off of the spectacular season that they had last year. The women’s badgers made it to the Sweet16 last season which is great, but they have even higher expectations for this season!

Let me run you through the past couple years of Darcy’s life in the soccer world:

Prep: Led Walsh Jesuit High School to an undefeated season (23-0). Darcy’s high school team also won the Ohio High School State Championship, and also received the title of the #1 ranked team in the nation that season as well! Not even mentioning all of the individual awards and player of the year awards that Darcy received as well.
Freshmen Year: Darcy recorded her first collegiate career goal.

Sophomore Year: Ended the season with 5 points, including 1 goal and 3 assists.

Junior Year: Had the assist to the Badgers first goal of the 2009 season. In the latter part of the season, Darcy had surgery on her foot which kept her out of soccer for many months.

Senior Year: Just came off of a tough loss (1-0) to the #3 ranked team in the country (UCLA). Next game is against Portland (Friday, September 3, 2010).

You get the point… Soccer has been a HUGE part of Darcy’s life thus far, and she plans on it staying that way! Darcy is majoring in Education; she loves kids and loves teaching. With that major, she plans on graduating and then starting her career in coaching. But this isn’t just a profession that she “wants to pursue”; she is literally made for this! Darcy now has a reward that is named after her (The Darcy Riley Award) which is given to student-athletes who excel in sports as well as the representation of her high school’s motto “men and women for others”. 

With all the things that Darcy has gone through, one thing that I can say is she has maintained her composure and has been able to prevail through any obstacle thrown at her! Someone like this is truly one to look up to and admire… I asked her if she had any advice to give to anyone that is reading her story, and she said, “Just stay confident! Don’t get down if one person says no because there will be someone else that will want you! Always give it your ALL! If you don’t, you’ll regret it!”

 Final thoughts...

How do you feel about being the Dorm Rumor?
I was very excited when I was asked. I love talking about my sport.

What are your thoughts about Mylan Murphy?

He is a great, hardworking guy who I have known since he was young.

What will you continue to Strive4?

Happiness

Follow the remainder of Darcy's senior year at http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/w-soccer/mtt/riley_darcy00.html