Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Riley Greene

Riley Greene is a senior on the Cardinal Mooney High volleyball team. Greene, who is committed to Long Island University, had 284 kills, 55 aces and 77 blocks in 2023. The Cougars will begin their 2024 home regular season schedule with a match against Lakewood Ranch High at 7 p.m. Aug. 22. 

When did you start playing volleyball?

I started when I was 8 years old, I think in second grade. It was like my fifth sport because my family put me in everything to see what I liked best, and volleyball was what I liked best. I've played ever since. 

What is the appeal to you?

As I have gotten older, my understanding of the game has changed. I know how I can impact my team and how my teammates can impact me. It's the true meaning of being on a team. Winning with your team is one of the best feelings ever. 

What is your best skill?

My hitting and blocking are both strong, hitting more so. But I know when we play a team with a strong hitter, my main focus is going to be to block them, and that feeling of getting a big block is a good one. So I would say both hitting and blocking. 

What have you been working to improve?

Well, our team is running faster-paced sets this year, so as a middle blocker I have to quicken my footwork and get faster so I can beat the ball to the location. 

What is your favorite memory?

I don't know if I have one specific favorite, but all the times my club teams have qualified for nationals, that's a great feeling. Every qualifying game has been tight in the third set. They could have gone either way because the competition is so high. To come out with those victories are some of my favorite moments. 

What is different about this year's Cardinal Mooney team?

Well, getting a new coach is always going to be different at first. Coach (Allan) Knight has done a wonderful job. I like him as a coach and I think he's good for our program. He's having us speed up our sets, like I said before, which slows down the other team's defense so you can catch them off-guard. It's going to help us in the long run. We're all so close and have played together for so long and that has helped us adjust. I can't wait for our first game to see how it all comes together.

What is your favorite food?

Sushi, especially from JPAN Sushi and Grill. 

What is your favorite school subject?

English. I like getting to do creative writing, to express how I feel about a certain things. 

What is your favorite movie?

"The Greatest Showman." 

What are your hobbies?

Well, since we're in Florida, I go to the beach a lot. I also shop and hang out with family and friends to spend quality time with them, especially since I'm not going to see them as often once I go to college. 

Why did you commit to Long Island University?

Before my visit, I had never been to New York before. I went into it not setting my expectations too high or too low. But I loved the city more than I thought I would and I loved the coaches and the girls on the team, they were all so nice. The atmosphere and the area, I loved it all. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Block out the noise of what other people are saying. It can get in your head when other people are trying to tear you down, and you can even start tearing yourself down. You have to stay strong and know who you are as a person, because at the end of the day, you know yourself better than anyone. You know what you can do. No one can decide that for you. 

Finish this sentence: "Riley Greene is …"

Caring. I try to be selfless on the court and to be there for my teammates, especially now being a senior. I want to look after the underclassmen and give them tips just like the seniors here did for me when I was a freshman.