Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week: Riley Trefny

This week’s student athlete of the week comes at the perfect time with East’s crosstown volleyball match that took place against Oswego on Thursday, Oct. 10. Junior Riley Trefny is being recognized by her coach as a stellar example of the E.A.S.T. values, excellence, academics, spirit, and tradition.

Trefny has been playing volleyball for 6 years now and is in her third season as a setter at East. In this short amount of time she has already been able to make a positive impact on the program that varsity head coach Dina Beamon has recognized.

“Riley’s ability to be a team player yet always work her hardest to be the best that she can be is a characteristic of hers that stands out to me,” Beamon said.

Coach Beamon also recognizes Trefny for her athletic abilities and how they help the team succeed.

“Riley contributes amazing skill as a very smart setter with strong defense and a power serve,” Beamon said.

Success is something Trefny strives for and she is always pushing herself to do even better than before which is what makes her a great athlete.

“What drives me to stay active and keep working for my sport is the feeling of never being satisfied,” Trefny said. “I know after every game and practice there are things that I need to improve on and I don’t want to stop until I feel I truly did the best I could.”

This drive and ambition is something that extends beyond Trefny’s athletic success. Her parents Tammy Trefny and Dawn Viti emphasize their daughter’s hard work in her academic pursuits as well.

“She is focused on achieving the best results possible and is organized and responsible, always taking accountability for her actions,” her parents said. “She is quick to help those in need by sharing her knowledge and great at coming up with innovative solutions when working with others.”

Even when she feels her goals have been met Riley still understands that she can push herself to do even more and never stops striving to be the best that she can be.

“My goals this season were to become a more consistent player and to become a better teammate. I believe I have met my goals, however, there is always room for improvement and room to grow. Therefore, I am still working towards achieving my goals every day,” Trefny said.

Trefny is able to easily get along with others and is always working to help others and motivate them, especially her teammates.

“Riley is consistently supporting her teammates when she is on the court. She is making sure that her teammates feel supported and uplifted,” Beamon said. “She has always impressed me with the desire to improve but also hold herself and her teammates accountable with care and thoughtfulness.”

Volleyball hasn’t just taught Trefny about working well with others but it has also taught her how to be resilient. She has faced many high and lows throughout her athletic career which has taught her how to overcome and bounce back from challenges.

“Volleyball not only teaches you how to communicate with others efficiently, but also how to deal with frustration and various emotions,” Trefny said. “I have learned the hardest and most important lessons on and off the court and it made me much more persistent and disciplined.”

Her parents echoed the sentiment that volleyball has played a foundational role in building Riley’s character.

“By being part of [East’s volleyball team], she has developed leadership skills, resilience, and quick decision making,” her parents said. “It has also helped her develop into a confident, supportive and patient person with a ‘don’t give up attitude’ through the winning and losing.”

As a leader at East, Riley has found her voice on the court. She is eager to carry these skills into her future career and continue to help others find their voice off the court.

“I am interested in pre-law and psychology with a focus on family law,“ Trefney said. “I believe in advocating for people who cannot advocate for themselves.”

Riley’s selflessness is something that everyone in her life acknowledges as she is consistently described as being a compassionate and courteous person that will undoubtedly fight for what she believes in.

“Even when the going gets tough, she will fight for what she believes is right especially when it comes to the treatment of people,” her parents said. “She is truly selfless and that makes my heart smile.”

Despite only being a junior, Trefny was selected by her coaches for being exemplary of the E.A.S.T. principles. She will certainly continue to make a lasting legacy at East until the day she graduates. By honing her positivity and perseverance, she will thrive in her future endeavors.

“Overall very proud of who she is and even more excited to continue to witness who she becomes as a volleyball player and young lady,” Coach Beamon said.

Written by Jordan Fikis and Mr. Anthony DiNardo, the editor and advisor for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.