The AMSA girls varsity basketball team had a successful season, finishing 17-5, but while the Eagles represented themselves well, one player in particular stood out.
Senior captain Riley Whittier was playing for more than just a respectable record as the season neared its close, and on Jan. 31, in a game against Maynard, Riley lined up for a free throw, took the shot, and achieved a milestone: 1,000 career points.
“I had a lot of friends, family, and staff there to watch,” she said. “It was nice that it was possible, because when I was younger I didn’t think I was going to get it, but my mom always thought I was going to get it.”
It was really important for Riley to have her family there for the game. Her parents are divorced, and her family is very blended, but they are all committed to supporting each other.
Her mother, Kate, and her boyfriend were in attendance, as well as her father, Steve, and his girlfriend. She was especially thrilled that her two brothers, younger brother, John, and twin brother, Daniel, were there to cheer her on.
“Dan literally called the amount of points I was going to get in the game and said it was going to be on a free throw,” Riley said.
Aside from her accomplishments on the court, Riley has also been a member of three other AMSA teams, including serving as senior captain of the varsity soccer team.
Beyond sports, she is a member of 10 extra-curricular clubs, including being the membership chair for Leaders of Today and Tomorrow, a community service club, and she is the senior class president.
“Knowing that I’m doing things not just for myself is what gets me through it,” Riley said. “Especially with volunteering and clubs, knowing that there’s a bigger picture and I’m helping other people is what keeps me motivated.”
With such a busy schedule, the trick is obviously finding balance.
“I think I balance it because all the things I do are stress relievers in themselves,” she said. “When I go to school, I look forward to having practice or a game at the end of the day. That’s what pushes me throughout the day. I like to work hard here because I’m going to work just as hard on the court, field, or track afterwards.”
Recently, Riley’s focus has also shifted to the future.
On Dec. 30, she announced her commitment to Regis College in Weston. It’s an exciting prospect because she will continue to play basketball at the next level.
Regis is a Division 3 women’s basketball program, and Riley received a scholarship offer.
“I’m excited for four more years, to be honest,” she said. “I can’t imagine going to school and not playing basketball.”
She will receive the Regis College Diverse Educators Scholarship and study English and education, with a plan to become a teacher.
“They have a really great education program,” Riley said.
If Riley has proved anything, it is that she is much more than just a basketball player. She’s a daughter, sister, friend, and student.
Her future is a wide-open shot.
