RILEY DOBSON SIGNS VOLLEYBALL SCHOLARSHIP

From left, Principal Blake Fry; Tracy Dobson, Riley’s mom; Riley Dobson; Kathy Ets-Hokin, Coral Shores girl’s high school volleyball coach and Rich Russell, Coral Shores athletic director. CONTRIBUTED

Four-year volleyball standout for the Coral Shores Hurricanes Riley Dobson has signed a scholarship letter of intent to play at Louisburg College in North Carolina. Dobson, who was named Monroe County Player of the Year in volleyball last December, chose Louisburg from a number of colleges vying for her services.  

“It was a tough decision, but I ultimately felt best about the direction their (Louisburg’s) program is going and I also fell in love with the area” Dobson said. 

Coincidentally, Louisburg’s nickname is also the “Hurricanes.” Louisburg head volleyball coach Haley Price said she is excited about adding Riley Dobson to the Hurricane roster.  

“She is an explosive player who we think can assist us right away,” Price said. 

Dobson has been a three-sport standout since entering Coral Shores as a ninth-grader. She was a force on the basketball team, which finished first in its district for regular season play.  She led the team in blocks and rebounds and finished seventh in the state in rebounding average. Last week, she set a new school standard in track with a discus throw of 88 feet, 2 inches.

 “I have watched Riley play sports since she was 4 years old,” said Hurricanes head volleyball coach Kathy Ets-Hokin. “She was always a natural athlete, but she has emerged into an elite athlete at Coral Shores. She is a leader who is committed, competitive, and perseveres until she has reached her goal for that day.”

Ets-Hokin said Dobson is ready to move to the next level of play, as she thrives for higher level drills, games and teams. 

“She is known as ‘the beast’ in our county for a reason. I wish her the best in her new school with her new team. I know Riley will be a great asset to Louisburg,” Ets-Hokin said. 

Basketball coach Pat Meyers said Dobson is an incredible athlete and truly is a leader.  

“She has something you can’t teach and that is heart and desire. Riley will never give up on a play and always plays the game like it should be played,” he said.

Mom Tracy Dobson said her daughter has always been able to pick up a ball and know exactly what to do with it.  

“And being active and remaining upbeat and positive is just who she is.  She loves to make herself and others laugh; she is just so much fun to be around and I’m so proud of her for brightening my life and I look forward to watching her grow and brighten others’ lives in her path,” Dobson said. 

Coral Shores athletic director Rich Russell said Dobson is one of the best all-around athletes ever at Coral Shores.

“She brings an infectious upbeat approach with all her involvements and has a ‘servant’s heart’ when it comes to helping others. She has been and will continue to be a great source of pride for her family, Coral Shores, and all of the Upper Keys,” he said.