Despite the challenges and criticisms she faced, Andrea Riley’s unwavering determination propelled her to success in the world of basketball. Now, as the newly appointed Interim Head Coach of the DeSoto High School Girls’ basketball team, she is poised to instill the same tenacity in her players. Understanding the importance of a strong work ethic, Coach Riley plans to lead her team with the same dog-eat-dog mentality that brought her triumph throughout her career. With a focus on process and resilience, she aims to guide her team not only to victory on the court but also to foster life skills that will empower them beyond the game.
Overcoming Adversity
Standing at 5 feet 4 inches, Coach Riley has always been underestimated due to her height, but this added fuel to her fire. She intends to impart this same resilience in her players, teaching them to rise above adversity and embrace their unique strengths. With her wealth of experience and passion, Coach Riley is set to leave a lasting impact on the DeSoto High School girls’ basketball team, shaping not only their skills on the court but also their character and resilience in facing life’s challenges.
College Years
The fearless basketball player’s journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance. At Lincoln High School, only a sophomore, she won the high school state championship. After graduating from high school, Riley continued her basketball journey at Oklahoma State as a starting point guard. She describes her freshmen year as challenging, even though she earned the Big XII Freshman of the Year award. Determined to improve, she became more intentional about her basketball career. She began leaning on her coaches and teammates for support. She often stayed late after practice, perfecting her skills by playing one-on-one against herself. The disciplined athlete locked in and made the necessary sacrifices. As a result, she led her team to the Sweet 16 and made history when they sold out their first women’s basketball home game against Oklahoma. Riley has also accumulated numerous awards including being named the 1st Team Big XII player and receiving the Nancy Lieberman Award for the Nation’s Best Point Guard, as well as being recognized as the Big XII Player of the Year. The tenacious basketball player’s dedication paid off, culminating in her receiving a degree in education. When she sets her mind on something, particularly in basketball, she consistently delivers impressive results.
Makes History
After completing her standout career at Oklahoma State University, Riley was drafted #8 overall by the LA Sparks in the WNBA. This marked a historic moment for Oklahoma State, making her the first player from the university to be selected in the WNBA draft. Although playing in the WNBA was not her ultimate goal, she is glad she received the opportunity to play professionally. The professional basketball player learned how to adjust to the fast-paced game and competed against some of the best players in the world. She played professionally for three years. Reflecting on her journey, she realized that although she initially did not set out to play in the WNBA, her experience could inspire others.
“You have to wait your turn, ” says Andrea Riley
Coaching
Riley took on the role of assistant coach at DeSoto High School last year. Although she was turned down for the head coaching position, she remained optimistic, stating, “You have to wait your turn.” Her persistence paid off when she was named the Interim Head Coach of DeSoto’s high school girl’s basketball team this year. Excited about this opportunity, she exclaims, “I have been preparing for this my whole life!”
“I have been preparing for this my whole life!” – Riley
Goals As the New Head Coach
Coach Riley’s primary goal is to instill in her team that mediocracy is not okay but success requires consistent effort and dedication. She emphasizes that this journey begins in the offseason and cannot be turned on like a switch, stating, “I have tried.”
Knowing the importance of a strong support system, Riley is turning to both the school and the community. She wants everyone to understand that development is a process. “I will do what is necessary, and my team will do what is necessary,” she explains. While everyone aspires to win a state championship, Coach Riley is particularly excited about the opportunity to shape and develop her team, putting her unique touch on their growth. With a solid relationship already established with the players, she is not just focused on their performance on the court; she also aims to teach them valuable life skills that will serve them well beyond basketball.
“I will do what is necessary, and my team will do what is necessary,”
Conclusion
Riley is determined to make a lasting impact on the young athletes she coaches, instilling values that would serve them beyond basketball. Ultimately, Riley’s time in the WNBA became not just a chapter in her life but a powerful platform to empower others, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. I can not wait to see the results of her first year coaching the Desoto Eagles!
