RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
Rylie Schwisow, a 2023 grad who plays for Nebraska Gold player and Beatrice (Nebraska) High, announced her commitment this week to the University of Sioux Falls, a DII school that competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
Riley helped her Nebraska Gold club team last week advance to the PGF Platinum National Championship and finish the summer with an impressive 41-18-4 record in events such as Top Gun, the Colorado Sparkler and PGF.
The Nebraska Gold has produced heralded players such as Addison Barnard of Wichita State, pitcher Jordy Bahl of Oklahoma and Washington Husky commit Ruby Meylan and Rylie continues the pipeline of talented, multi-sport athletes who will play at the next level.
The incoming senior has helped Beatrice High take second in both softball and basketball during her prep career and we got to know the standout 2023 player a bit better…
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Name: RILEY SCHWISOW
Hometown/ST: Beatrice, Nebraska
Grad Year: 2023
Position(s): 3B/P/UT
Club Team: Nebraska Gold 05 – Anderson 16U
High School (City/ST): Beatrice High, Beatrice, Nebraska
GPA: 4.0 unweighted
College: Univ. of Sioux Falls
Top Honors/Accomplishments: three-sport athlete, All Trailblazer Conference 1st Team, Lincoln Journal Star All State Class B 2nd Team
Preferred College Major: Journalism
What’s been your most memorable softball experience?
My most memorable softball experience has been having to pitch every game during the high school season with my best friends and family behind me. I love high school ball because I enjoy working towards a state championship and representing my school, my community, and my town.
What would you say are your strengths on the field?
I would say my strengths include giving 110% effort every time I step on the field, and even in the classroom. I would also label myself as a true leader. My positive attitude, vocality, and love for the game has been said to totally transform the dugout and team.
Have you set personal goals for yourself for this year? Or in general?
My goal for this fall is to bring home a state championship with my high school team. I also am trying to grow my relationship with God and learn to trust Him with all my troubles and worries.
Do you have any softball superstitions?
I am superstitious with what I say on the field. I have to say things twice or three times to shift/keep the luck and momentum going! I have to tell myself to stop thinking so much and just play and trust myself and my teammates.
What would you say is your philosophy in life?
My mentality throughout life is “God’s plan.” I tell myself this along with my friends and my teammates. I believe that God has brought me here for a reason and that everything I do is a part of His greater plan. I believe that the key in life is to just be a good person and spread smiles and kindness.
If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be on-field? Off the field?
On the field: A leader. Off the field: A teammate.
What worries you most about what classmates your age are facing in the future?
Especially recently, there has been a lot of light shown on athletes and their mental health. Social media and the increase in intensity of sports and activities is really hard on kids and we see former teammates and peers cope with all that by suicide. You never know what someone is going through, and a lot of these athletes feel as if they are alone in the world and that’s scary.
If you won a million dollars and had to spend it all in 24 hours, how would you spend it?
Take me to a mall and it’ll be gone in 12 hours! I love shopping and I’ve always wanted designer bags.
What’s been your favorite vacation or place you’ve visited?
My favorite place I’ve visited is Montana where my uncle and cousins live. I’m a sucker for nature and it’s beautiful up there.
What’s been your favorite place you’ve placed softball?
My favorite place to play softball is Field 1 at Hannibal Park in Beatrice, our school’s home field. Last season, we couldn’t play on it because it was getting redone. I stepped foot on it earlier this spring and the rush of feelings and emotions brought tears to my eyes. It’s a special place and I associate it with some very special people.
What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in life?
The biggest obstacle I’ve had to overcome is having to pitch all high school season. I absolutely love playing third base, but I have to step up and pitch because we don’t have anyone else. It’s a lot of pressure.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what’s the one thing you’d want to have with you?
I’d want to have my cold brew with me. I can’t run without coffee!
If you could have dinner with anyone… living or dead… who would it be?
I would have dinner with Florida State alum Jessie Warren. She was someone I looked up to when I really started to love playing third base.
Finally, what’s one thing or accomplishment about you that is unusual or unique about you that few know?
I used to be a competitive dancer. I still have the moves, though.
EXTRA INSIGHTS:
What’s Your Favorite Softball Item (like preferred bat, glove, etc.)? My Louisville Slugger Meta bat.
Favorite item(s) in your closet: I love my sweatshirts.
Favorite school subject: English.
Best way to unwind is… farming on Hay Day.
If you have 30 minutes to shop and $100 to spend, where do you go? Dry Goods.
What’s playing in your headphones right now? Zach Bryan.
Celebrity you’d like most to hang out with… Koe Wetzel
Favorite college uniform (and why): Texas softball’s all orange because it gives off dominant vibes and is very intimidating. The shade of orange is pretty.
Calories aside, what food could you eat and never get sick of? Chipotle bowls.
Best talent off the field? My amazing dance moves!
What drives you to play the game of softball? My love for the game and my teammates.
What have you learned most about yourself over the last year or two? That I can truly do anything that I put my mind to and that I am mentally strong.
Who inspires you (athletically & non-athletically): Athletically: Montana Fouts because of her loyalty and strong mentality; non-athletically: my mom.
When you leave the game of softball, how do you want to be remembered and what will you do when you’re finished playing to help grow the game? I want to be remembered as a strong, loving leader whose passion for the game shines through on the field. No matter what happens on the road ahead, I want to be a coach, at whatever level, because I want to be able to share my knowledge and love with other young players and hope that I leave an impact on them.