"One Last Roar" is a series that will recognize the accomplishments of the senior student-athletes at Mount Holyoke College graduating during the 2020-21 academic year. From now until May, read about our senior student-athletes as they reflect on their careers as members of Lyons Nation. Make sure to check out Mount Holyoke College Athletics on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see photos of their top memories with their teammates over the past four years.
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Senior Riley Hicks (Bow, N.H.), a Biology major and Spanish minor and swimming and diving student-athlete at Mount Holyoke College, will graduate at the completion of the Spring 2021 semester.
In 2020, Hicks placed first in the 500 Y Free at the meet against Western New England while also placing third in the 100 Y Fly. A few weeks later, at the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Championship, Hicks produced the fastest time for Mount Holyoke in the 200 Y Free with a time of 2:08.18. As a first-year, Hicks placed in the top-15 in both the 100 Y Free and the 200 Y Free placing 13th and 12th, respectively. Hicks qualified for the NEWMAC Championships in three-consecutive years while also earning NEWMAC Academic All-Conference honors in 2019 and 2020. To earn this distinction, honorees must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5/4.0 scale or 4.35/5.0 scale. Hicks served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) as a swimming and diving representative and as the chair for enhancements and improvements.
From Head Mount Holyoke Swimming and Diving Coach, Dave Allen:
Overall, share a few sentences about your time as a student-athlete at Mount Holyoke College. How has your experience as a student-athlete helped develop you into the person you are today?
Being a student-athlete changed my life and allowed me to grow in so many ways, more than I could have ever predicted. From motivating me to do homework while being in-season to stepping up as a leader to finding the most amazing family of teammates, I could have never expected to love my time as a student-athlete more than I do. I have changed so much from being a shy student right out of high school, and I credit my experiences as a student-athlete for much of that. I learned to push myself more in the pool, in my classes, and as a leader. I have truly learned the value of "being comfortable being uncomfortable."
What were some of your favorite memories as a member of your team?
Some of my favorite memories include our Florida training trips: singing in the minivans on the way to practice, getting ice cream or smoothies as a surprise instead of a team run, and taking sunrise gratitude walks. I loved the joke practices where we had to make Dave laugh in order to be able to pick our next set.
I loved the Seven Sisters meets and getting to know the amazing people we competed against over a fun dinner.
Mountain Day and hiking the beautiful and challenging long trail with the whole team are special memories. Who doesn't love running out of the Lyons Den at 7 in the morning to hear the bells ringing and then getting to hike the amazing mountain range with your teammates?
What are your plans following graduation?
Following graduation, I plan to finish up a few nursing school prerequisites, work, and apply to nursing schools over the summer. My goal is to be a nurse practitioner. I would also love to travel and put my Spanish minor to good use as I was unable to study abroad last summer as planned. Travel plans are in the air as we all figure out where the world will be by the fall, but I hope to go abroad before going back to school to pursue nursing in the fall of 2022.
Who have been some of your biggest supporters during your time at Mount Holyoke College? This can be anyone (i.e. family, friends, professors, coaches, etc.)
My friends, especially my roommates, have been my biggest supporters throughout my time at Mount Holyoke. We keep each other sane! I am also incredibly grateful for all of my teammates and coaches for the endless support they have given me over the past four years. We are all so lucky to have a coach like Dave who is committed to each of us achieving our goals and pushing us to be better every step of the way. I will miss his dad jokes very much next year.
My family has supported me through everything; if I have a hard day, if I need motivating words to finish an essay, if I am deciding to run for a new leadership position, or I had a success in one of my classes. My mom is especially one of my biggest supporters; she came to almost every single meet no matter how far, and I can't thank her enough for everything she has done for me.
What is your favorite Mount Holyoke tradition?
My favorite tradition is Convocation!!! I love returning to campus and being reunited with my friends and teammates after the long summer. I love getting ready and pumped up together while dressing in our class colors. The energy and excitement for the new school year are like nothing else.
Any words of advice you have for the future student-athletes of Mount Holyoke College?
Go to office hours and just talk with your professors. They are there because they want to help you, get to know you, and support you. The same goes for your coaches. Finding meaningful relationships and mentors is so valuable.
Additionally, as I think we have all learned this past year, don't let anything hold you back. Live in the moment. Time will fly by at Mount Holyoke. Hang out with your friends; time is short and homework is consuming. Try that new club or activity and don't wait to do it. Go to that lecture that interests you. Be open to change and try new things, even if it scares you. Mostly, be grateful for the wonderful opportunities Mount Holyoke offers you. Let your curiosity lead you.
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