Thorndale pitcher Riley White earned a spot on the Austin American-Statesman list of the top 50 Central Texas high school athletes in the state.
The list published June 5 and compiled by Statesman sports writers chose Riley as the No. 42 top athlete in Central Texas.
Riley was featured in the Austin newspaper in February.
The Abilene Christian signee had the Lady Bulldogs poised for second consecutive appearance at the state tournaments before the UIL decided to cancel all spring sports due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
During her career, White recorded 708 strikeouts, 185 RBIs, and a 4-year batting average of .493.
Thorndale Head Softball Coach Lance Betak said White’s enthusiasm and leadership is what the program will miss the most.
“Riley never said a whole lot, she just led by example,” Betak said. “She was a hard worker. I live close to her and I could always hear her hitting balls.”
White said being named to the top 50 was a huge honor and thanked her teammates for making it possible.
“When I heard about it, I immediately thought how incredibly thankful I am to have such an amazing team,” White said. “Most would say you need nine people to make a good team, but I believe it’s more. “My teammates and coaches have allowed me to be named a top 50 athlete.”
White has been committed to Abilene Christian University since the summer of 2017. She said she hopes to contribute to the team right away once she arrives on campus.
“I really want to make an impact as a player at ACU while getting my degree,” White said. “I hope to grow as a person, player and most, importantly in my faith.”
White said she will miss the Thorndale game crowds and the strong community the most.
“Every single person comes to every event, no matter the weather, time or even if they have a kid playing or not,” Riley said. “It was the best feeling ever.”
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