Conkle signs letter of intent to play at West Liberty
Riley Conkle signed her letter of intent on Thursday, April 18 to play softball at West Liberty University. From left: Eric Underwood, Angel Jones, Riley Conkle, Jeremy Conkle, and Tiffany Conkle.
COSHOCTON – Riley Conkle signed her letter of intent to play softball at West Liberty University at Coshocton High School on Thursday, April 18 surrounded by her family, teammates, and coaches.
Conkle started playing softball in seventh grade and her love of the sport has only grown ever since.
“She started at a really young age and just fell in love with it,” said Angel Jones, Conkle’s mom. “Watching her fall in love with it was amazing. Her love for the sport has grown throughout the years.”
Conkle said that part of the reason she loves softball is because your teammates become your friends.
“You make your closest friends in softball,” she said.
She hopes that playing college softball will improve her game.
“Future-wise, they [West Liberty University] have the best opportunities for me and I think playing on their softball team will improve my skills,” said Conkle.
Conkle is currently undecided on her major. She said her favorite memory from her high school years is winning the ECOL her freshman year.
“One of my favorite memories is when she hit her first home run as a freshman,” said Jones. “She’s hit 20 for her career her whole four years of high school, but watching her hit her first home run was very special.”
Conkle’s softball awards include: Four-year letter award winner, first team ECOL in 2016 – 2018, and first team East District 2016 – 2018. She received the CHS Redskin Award, CHS Silver Slugger Award, and CHS Fielding Percentage Award in 2017, as well as receiving the CHS Silver Slugger Award and CHS Fielding Percentage Award in 2018. Her career batting average is .457, she has 20 career home runs, and 77 career RBI’s.
“I want to say thanks for the support from my mom and dad and thanks to the coaches for teaching me everything I know,” she said.
This is Coach Marc Murray’s first year as varsity head coach at Coshocton High School and said that West Liberty is getting a great softball player.
“They’re getting a very committed, dedicated, and talented player,” he said.
Athletic director, Tim Fortney, said that Conkle is a powerful hitter on the field.
“We are very proud of Riley Conkle’s accomplishments throughout her four years at Coshocton,” he said. “She is one of the most powerful hitters in the East District. We are going to miss her, but we certainly wish her great success at West Liberty University.”
Conkle’s dad, Jeremy, said he enjoyed seeing his daughter grow as a player over the years.
“It was very exciting to see her grow, not only as a softball player, but as a person and a teammate,” he said. “I think the game has taught her more than just softball. It’s taught her about life and overcoming challenges.”
Riley’s parents have some advice as she begins her college career.
“Stay humble,” said Jeremy. “Work hard on and off the field. It’s about more than just softball. It’s about getting an education and about being a positive role model wherever she may end up.”
“Be yourself,” said Jones. “She is a strong, independent woman and I know she’ll do great.”
Category: High School, Sports
