Riley was a two-sport standout at Tiffin University (Ohio), where she was named an NCAA Division II Academic All-American in 2003 and served as a team captain of both the Dragon volleyball squad and track & field teams.

A four-year letterwinner on the volleyball court, Riley holds school records in career digs with 1714 and single-game assists with 67. In track & field, Riley holds school records in every throwing event, including the discus, hammer, javelin, shot put and weight throw.

Riley was the head junior varsity volleyball coach at Calvert High School in Tiffin in 2003 and 2004. Her teams went a combined 39-3 over her two seasons and won one league title.

Also during the 2003-04 academic year, Riley served as an assistant track & field coach at her alma mater, helping the Dragons to the program’s first American Mideast Conference championship.

Riley gained administrative experience as an athletic office intern at Tiffin in May of 2002. She scheduled transportation, processed game contracts, and assisted in the department’s recruiting.

From January to May, 2006, Riley completed the Physical Education General Program at Bowling Green State University, with a focus on beginner weight lifting.