šļø Episode Summary:
In this powerful and emotional episode, Riley Kindt returns to the Outside the Pins podcast to reflect on her journey through UW-Oshkosh Volleyball and the whirlwind of life that has followed graduation. Now a cardiac nurse, homeowner, and newly engaged, Riley shares the realities of transitioning from student-athlete to real life while navigating some of the most meaningful and challenging moments of her lifeāincluding her fatherās battle with pancreatic cancer.
Through stories of recruiting, team culture, Costa Rica adventures, and relentless work ethic, Riley reflects on the lessons that volleyball taught her about resilience, connection, and living fully in the present.
Key Topics:
š Late Recruiting, Right Fit:
How Rileyās unconventional recruiting journeyāfrom considering track to discovering Oshkoshāled her to a program built on authenticity, trust, and genuine relationships.
šŖ The Work Ethic That Builds Culture:
Why pushing teammates to be their bestāwhether playing or supporting from the benchābecame one of the defining traits of Oshkosh Volleyballās success.
š§ Self-Awareness and Growth:
Riley shares her experience pursuing an ADHD diagnosis during college and how understanding herself better helped her navigate academics, athletics, and life.
š Moments That Become Memories:
From Green Lake retreats to Costa Rica adventures, Riley reflects on how the seemingly small momentsābus rides, hotel rooms, and late-night conversationsābecome the memories that last forever.
ā¤ļø Life Beyond Volleyball:
Graduating nursing school, passing the NCLEX, becoming a cardiac nurse, getting engaged, buying a home, and supporting her dad through a cancer diagnosisāall while carrying the lessons learned as a student-athlete.
šÆ Make the Boat Row Faster:
The philosophy that shaped Rileyās mindsetāmaking small daily choices that help the team, and yourself, move forward together.
Closing Thoughts:
Rileyās story is one of resilience, gratitude, and relentless effort. Her journey reminds us that the true impact of college athletics isnāt just wins and lossesāitās the relationships built, the adversity faced, and the lessons that carry forward long after the final match.
Whether navigating sport, career, or lifeās unexpected challenges, Rileyās message is clear: work hard, value the people around you, and never forget to be present for the moments that matter most.
Listen Now ā and stay tuned for more stories from the athletes, coaches, and moments that define UW-Oshkosh Volleyball on Outside the Pins.
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