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COACH'S GAME BALL: Chyna Riley

By Matt Parmesano

On April 9, 2014

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Freshman Chyna Riley winds up a pitch during a game against Brevard College on March 5. Garrett Garms

Winston-Salem State softball player Chyna Riley may not be the biggest player on the field, but her enormous heart

makes up for her lack of size.

Riley, a 5-foot-4-inch freshman from West Columbia, S.C., was chosen by Head Coach Lataya Hilliard-Gray as the recipient of this issue's "Game Ball."

While at Airport High School, Riley amassed three varsity letters in softball and was named to the all-region team in 2011. In addition to the success she had on the field, she posted a very impressive academic record. She finished with a 4.0 GPA, graduated 29th out of 244 students in her class and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Looking at this list of achievements, it is easy to see why Coach Gray is so excited to have Riley as part of her team.

"She's been a dominant force," Gray said.

"As a freshman, she's so nonchalant that she doesn't yet completely understand the ex-tent of her talent and just how great an impact she's having on the program."

Riley has been a vital part of the Lady Rams (21-10, 11-1 CIAA) [as of April 9] success. She is a utility player, meaning she plays multiple positions in the field, including pitcher. She leads her team in opponents batting average (.209) and saves (1), is second in earned run average (2.88) and wins (4), and ranks third with 18 strikeouts. She's also a good hitter.

Upon her arrival at WSSU, Riley was asked to switch from batting right-handed to hitting on the left side of the plate -- a change that didn't phase her. Just as she is in pitching, Riley is near the top among the Lady Rams in almost every offensive category. Her success hasn't gone unnoticed. Riley has been named CIAA Rookie of the Week twice this season.

"She's always hungry to play. She's been batting in the third spot (the spot in the lineup usually reserved for a team's best hitter), and she didn't even realize it. She doesn't worry about that kind of stuff. She just goes out there, plays and produces."

Q: How long have you been playing softball?

Riley: I started playing when I was four-years-old. My sister was playing before I was, and when I used to go to her games, it made me want to play.

Q: What's your favorite part about playing softball?

Riley: I just like being able to get down and dirty and take all my anger out on the ball. I just love it. It's basically everything to me.

Q: Who's your role model?

Riley: I look up to my daddy and all the other coaches that I've had in the past. They've always pushed me, even when I thought I couldn't go. They motivated me.

Q: Do you have any superstitions?

Riley: Well, I used to have a ribbon that I always wore for every game, but I lost it. Now I don't have anything. I'm looking for something new, though.

Q: Playing in college is different than playing in high school. What's been the biggest adjustment for you so far?

Riley: Just adjusting to different coaching styles and getting to know everybody. The game's a little bit faster, but I

think I'm doing pretty good.

Q: I know it's early, but what are your plans after WSSU?

Riley: I'm majoring in clinical laboratory science, and I plan to get my degree, move to somewhere big in the medical field and pursue that.