On Friday, Dec. 19, 2014, Hatboro-Horsham senior Candyce Riley was recognized for committing to play volleyball at Neumann University. To view photos of the signing, please visit the Photo Gallery.
Candyce Riley’s story is an interesting one.
A standout libero that was recruited to play that position at the Division One level, the Hatboro-Horsham senior volunteered to take over the job of setter after the team lost its setter to graduation.
“At the end of her junior year, she was definitely one of the top liberos in the district, and she had recognized early that we were in need of a setter,” coach Kathy Tanner said.
“Before I approached her, she came to me and said, ‘I don’t care what position I play. I just want to get the team to where it needs to be. If you want me to set, I’ll be happy to do that. If you want me to play libero, I’m happy to do that. Just put me where you need me.’”
Riley excelled as the Hatters’ setter, going on to earn honorable mention recognition on the ninth annual Under Armour Girls High School All-America Team.
“Not only is Candyce an outstanding athlete, she’s an outstanding leader and contributor in every way,” coach Kathy Tanner said. “I couldn’t be more thrilled for her.
“Knowing going into her senior year how much is on the line, knowing she could be all-district first team as a libero. She was chosen third team as a setter, which is very impressive for a kid who’s never set before. The beauty of that is going into college – it’s going to make her marketable.”
Requirements for nomination are that the student-athlete be in her senior year of her school, that she be nominated by her high school coach, that her coach be a member of the AVCA and that her individual season statistics versus all opponents for the entire season be entered into MaxPreps.
Candyce Riley – Neumann University (Volleyball)
Major: Nursing
Final list of colleges: Neumann, St. Francis
Reasons for choosing Neumann: “I like how Neumann is a lot closer because I do get homesick, so I’ll be able to come home on weekends. I really liked the team and coach at Neumann, and that was really a deciding factor.”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate volleyball? “Around my sophomore year, my sister was playing volleyball at Cabrini, and I kind of decided that I wanted to play in college. I’m really happy that I did decide to go through with it.”
Coach Kathy Tanner says: “Any school that’s going to get Candyce is going to be a very lucky school. What I love about what she did – she’s a person who’s loyal and committed, and she found that Neumann was a happy home for her. She understands that if she finds a happy home, she’s going to blossom, and she’s going to do great. The same way she did here at Hatboro-Horsham – she really blossomed. I think this is the beginning of something huge.
“I’ve known Candyce since fifth grade. She’s just one of those kids – the reason I coach is not only do I want to develop the athlete, but I want to be able to develop the kid into somebody who can be really successful in life. It’s all about developing the whole person, so our job as coaches is to give as much as we can, but I feel with Candyce, it’s almost ironic in that she’s given us so much more than we could ever give her.
“She has such a great influence on so many people, whether they’re young or old, and it’s because of her commitment, her enthusiasm and her character.”
About Candyce:
Favorite food: Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Favorite movie: Finding Nemo
Favorite Music: Pop
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