West Plains' Riley Patterson signs to play volleyball for McMurry University
Rylie Patterson is no stranger a challenge. It was a challenge when she found out she'd be switching schools for her senior year of high school. It was a challenge to be the only senior leader on a brand new volleyball team. She met those challenges and helped guide West Plains to the regional quarterfinals this past season.
Now, she's accepting her newest challenge: Playing college volleyball.
Patterson, a senior at West Plains, signed to play volleyball with McMurry University on Thursday morning at West Plains High School. She's the third signing in school history after Cali Bessent signed to play soccer for CSU-Pueblo and Trae Ferril signed to play football for Oklahoma Panhandle State University.
"It feels amazing just to be here with all of my teammates and all my friends," Patterson said. "I've been really looking forward to this day since I verbally committed so being able to sign is just a blessing."
Patterson spent the bulk of her career playing for Randall before joining West Plains when it was formed last year. She took on the role of senior leader, the only senior on the Lady Wolves. She was highly praised for how she handled that responsibility by head coach Kaitlyn Cornelious.
"Rylie is an astounding leader," Cornelious said. "She did a great job with our team this year, especially as the only senior. That's a lot of weight to carry on your shoulders and she did that with grace, passion and while being unapologetically herself. That shows in all that she does and that's why we love her. We're so proud of her and are so blessed to have had her with this team."
On the court, Patterson earned honorable mention on the AGN Super Team this past season after recording 118 kills and 30 blocks. She played middle at the prep level and will continue to do so with the Warhawks. As the only member of the Lady Wolves departing, she's confident in the program that she's leaving behind.
"I definitely think it's a strong (team)," Patterson said. "Coming in with this being our first year, I felt like we built a strong foundation for the generations to come. I think a lot of these girls will look back and think of the memories we made in the process and all of the things we succeeded in and built up during the year."
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: West Plains' Riley Patterson signs to play volleyball for McMurry University
