Barnstable’s James extra special
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
While Riley James’ oncourt endeavors are the envy of most, it is what she is doing behind the scenes that truly make the Barnstable junior a standout among her volleyball peers.
James won the Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year as a sophomore last season, the ninth time a Red Raider spiker has captured the prestigious award. With the Gatorade Award comes a $1,000 grant for the student-athlete’s charity of choice and also the opportunity to craft an essay for an additional prize.
While it’s tough to get James to even accept any outstanding individual accomplishment as a compliment, she poured her heart and soul into the essay for a bunch of very special people. The effort proved worth it, as her essay was chosen from 50 nationwide to win the $10,000 Gatorade Play it Forward Spotlight Grant.
Riley donated the grant to the local Special Olympics chapter called the Cape Cod Champs, where she is a full-time member. Riley believes the social outlet of being part of a team can help children in need.
“Riley doesn’t just show up. She goofs around like all the players do, runs the relay races, high-fives and fist-pumps teammates for good plays,” said Shannon Reilly, who is the Cape Cod Champs program coordinator. “Riley is truly one of the players, which is the whole goal of Unified Sports. There is no standout, they are a team.”
James is one of those rare gems that shines on and off the court individually, but makes her team the reason for her own individual success.
“It’s very special to me to be a part of such a great group of people, from the players and parents to the coaches and unified partners,” said James. “But I’ve been very fortunate to have been surrounded over the years by great coaches and teammates.
“My teammates have always supported and pushed me to be the best player and teammate I can be, and coach (Tom) Turco has been a huge help and great influence in my life, as he has been to so many other Barnstable players over the years.”
Turco has seen a few decent players in his 30-year career, and has 18 state championships to prove that his program’s teamwork mentality is working like a clock. And James has bought in hook, line and sinker.
“I haven’t ever set an individual or team goal as part of the process. The team sets their own goals and presents them to us,” said Turco. “Riley is a very competitive player, great teammate and by nature she shows a lot of leadership. You don’t have to be a captain to be a leader, as she has competitiveness and passion and shows it every time on the court.”
The Cape Cod Champs, just like most programs, rely on fundraising for uniforms and equipment to support their events. Reilly is thankful for the grant, but also points to James as a massive contributor without the funds.
“We are absolutely honored and proud to be the recipient of the Gatorade grant which we received because of Riley’s efforts and achievements. And, not surprising, Riley has not sought recognition or accolades for all her hard work,” said Reilly. “We cannot thank Riley enough for her dedication and we are so proud of her and look forward to watching her continue to shine, even though I don’t think she realizes how bright that shine is.”
James has the perfect perspective on what is important in life, and her final sentence of her winning essay says it all.
“It is truly an honor to be able to have met some of the most kind, funny and talented people I know through the Cape Cod Champs,” she wrote. “I am the lucky one, because now I am a part of their family, and always will be.”