In high school sports, where competition is fierce, many would consider transferring if faced with initial setbacks. Mother McAuley’s Riley Wilson took a different path. As a freshman, she joined the B team, a status often considered a barrier to varsity. But Wilson was undeterred. “My freshman year, they won the state title,” she recalled. “I wanted to contribute to that success and be part of the team culture.”
Wilson’s determination paid off during a packed game night against archrival Marist. As a senior middle hitter, she shone with eight kills and three blocks. Her contributions were crucial to McAuley’s 19-25, 25-21, 25-21 GCAC Red victory.
Alongside her, UConn recruit Keira McQuillan added 15 kills and nine digs. Jayce Prohaska contributed 11 kills and 16 digs. Coastal Carolina commit Peyton Heatherly offered 27 assists and 10 digs. Youngstown State-bound libero Ava Calle collected 14 digs. For Marist, Western Michigan recruit Taylor Berg led with 13 kills while Michigan commit Maggie Kurpeikis added 11.
McAuley coach Jen DeJarld praised Wilson’s varied shot selection and quick reactions. “The advancement that kid has made in these three years is extraordinary,” DeJarld said. Wilson’s rise to prominence began with her dedication in the offseason between freshman and sophomore year, earning her a spot on junior varsity by sophomore year.
“I decided that was going to be my turning point,” Wilson said about her dedication to improving. She aimed to inspire future B-team players by expanding her skills, which indeed proved successful.
Her teammates noticed her impressive growth. “She’s fast and great at adjusting,” said Prohaska. McQuillan, who played with her, commented, “You’d never guess she started on the B team. She’s grown so much.”
Though behind in college recruiting, Wilson is getting noticed. Her focus remains on her current performance. Tuesday’s match was their second meeting with Marist in four days, with McAuley taking the win in the ASICS Challenge semifinals earlier. Upcoming postseason seedings may set the stage for a third matchup.
Wilson remains focused on present challenges. “We need to stay true to our movements,” she said. “Having an ‘in the now’ mentality is crucial.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
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