By Chris Cox

Riley Hayes has been playing basketball for the better part of a decade. While some kids can’t always point to what they like about certain sports, Hayes was pretty clear about what she likes about basketball.

“The competition,” she says. “I love seeing my team win. Our coach really pushes us to work hard so we can play our best.”

Hayes knows she’s not the most vocal player on the Altus squad, but she also knows her actions can show head coach Stacie Terbush that she’s dedicated to her team.

“I just try to hustle and do what my coaches say,” Hayes says. “I try to go to every open practice I can go to.”

Hayes is already seeing her hard work pay off. After not playing much as a freshman, Hayes has seen her time on the court increase as a sophomore. She believes it’s the encouragement of her coaches and her dad that has built that work ethic and allowed her to earn more playing time.

“My dad has been my coach in softball since I was little,” she says. “He has helped me with things that can go across sports like being focused, motivating my teammates, and working hard in practice.”

For her coaches, Hayes says they are all very encouraging and that encouragement gives her the confidence to speak up and help her teammates. 

“If they didn’t know what they were doing, I’d help them with the play and make sure they know where to go,” Hayes says. “I also tell my teammates that they can do it and I believe in them.”

Along with basketball, Hayes is also a utility player on the Altus softball team and is a part of the archery team. While she’s just a sophomore, Hayes wants to go to college and would love to continue her athletic career at the next level.