Athlete of the Week: Riley Cruse, Tri-County North High School

Name: Riley Cruse

School: Tri-County North

Grade: Junior

Age: 16

Sports: Volleyball, basketball, softball

Claim to fame/honors: Became varsity starter in basketball and softball as freshman; earned first team and second-team all-conference in softball the past two years; named second-team all-conference in volleyball last year; received honorable mention in basketball; plays pitcher, first base, shortstop and second base for Ohio Hawks travel team in softball; hit four homers over fence for high school team and three more in travel ball; represented school at Hugh O’Brien Leadership Conference.

Bet you didn’t know … I’m a proud owner of 42 pairs of shoes

Words you live by: Lead by doing

Toughest opponent: Miami East for volleyball and Covington for softball

Biggest influence: My family and coaches

Match/game-day rituals: Listen to music, become focused

What’s on your bedroom walls? Photos of friends and family and motivational quotes

When I’m bored I like to: Go to the YMCA

Favorite movie: The Rookie

Person who would play you in a movie: Jennifer Lawrence

Favorite TV show: One Tree Hill

Favorite musical artist: Chris Young

I can’t live without: My family, friends, and sports I love.

I can live without: Bad attitudes and no effort out of people

Event you’d like to attend: The Olympics

Favorite book: To Kill a Mockingbird

Favorite home-cooked meal: Spaghetti and meatballs with Texas Toast garlic bread

Favorite restaurant: Red Robin

Favorite smell: Coconut

Favorite cereal: Cinnamon Toast Crunch

Store where you’d like a shopping spree: Dick’s Sporting Goods

Vegetable you won’t eat: Broccoli

I’d love to trade places for a day with: Delanie Gourley, pitcher on U.S. women’s softball team

Whose mind would you like to read? My Doberman, Maya

Place where you’d love to travel? Hawaii

Talent you’d like to have? Drawing

Favorite school subject: Spanish

Favorite athlete: Delanie Gourley

Favorite team: Ohio Hawks

Favorite Olympic sport: Volleyball

Something in the world I’d like to change: Full equality for women

Favorite sports moment: Hitting four home runs in one game

Favorite junk food: Frosted Animal Crackers

Best thing about volleyball/softball: Being part of a team and working hard to be the best we can be and accomplish the dreams we have

In 10 years, I hope to be: Coaching and teaching with a family of my own

Nominate an Athlete of the Week: Send an email to freelance writer Dave Lamb at d_lamb@msn.com. Please include the athlete's name, school, sport and a phone number or email address where we can reach that athlete. Please include Athlete of the Week in the subject line.

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