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| Riley Carlucci (center) leading a cheer for Baldwinsville's varsity girls volleyball team |
"Riley brings big game experience, coming from a strong program at Baldwinsville. She has front row versatility which adds a lot of value to an offense. From a personality standpoint she brings a wonderful sense of humor and I'm confident she'll be a great teammate." ~ Head Coach Geoff Braun
Riley Carlucci is a middle blocker and opposite hitter from Baldwinsville, N.Y. She graduated from C.W. Baker High School in May, and will enter Fredonia as a freshman this fall.
This conversation took place immediately before Carlucci's college orientation.
Ryan Maloney: Right now, how are you feeling about coming to orientation?
Riley Carlucci: On the beginning of the drive it was fine, but as we got closer and closer I could feel myself getting nervous. I always get butterflies in my stomach when I'm getting nervous. But I'm also kind of excited. I'm telling myself, "just be calm." I always have to tell myself that I'm going to be okay [laughs]. I get nervous easily. I'm pretty shy sometimes.
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| Riley Carlucci (right) with Baldwinsville alumni Paulina Rein (left), and Rachel Aiello |
Carlucci: Well, it depends on the situation. Sometimes I'm the loud, obnoxious one who's making everyone laugh, and sometimes I'm shy and don't say anything. I'm nervous about rooming with someone too.
RM: Why?
Carlucci: I'm used to having my own space and not really having to deal with anyone else. I'm nervous about any differences we'll have. I'm not the neatest person in the world, and if they're super neat they might get mad. I don't know how it's going to work out.
RM: I think most people get nervous about that. What are you hoping for coming to college?
Carlucci: I tend to rely a lot on other people to help me with things, so I think coming to college is going to help me learn to do things on my own. Not having to rely on other people -- maturing in that way. Being responsible and get things done that I need to get done. And motivating myself to do that, because I tend to forget things. I want to get better at those things.
RM: How has being a student-athlete at Baldwinsville changed you?
Carlucci: I think I had good opportunities as a student at B-ville. You're always hearing people say how good of a volleyball program it is. I learned a lot playing volleyball and basketball. Both coaches were hard on me. I can have a temper sometimes, and I wasn't allowed to get away with that. But I've gotten a lot better with that over the years because of how hard my coaches were on me. I really think dealing with that in a sport has taught be to handle things outside of sports, too.
RM: What was it like looking for a college?
Carlucci: Well, looking for a college I didn't really know what I wanted to major in. I still don't, but I've had ideas of what I want to do. Honestly, I didn't look for that when I was looking for colleges. It was about the coaches, and where I could play. When I came here, it had a really pretty campus and I was really happy about the coaches. When I left I was really happy because you guys made me feel at home here. I felt like I'd have a lot of help.