Ryley Grindstaff '23 Recruiting Profile

Hi my name is Ryley Grindstaff, and I play basketball at William Blount High School. When I was five years old, I started playing basketball. Then one day, I was watching the Lady Vols play, and it hit me. I wanted to be the best basketball player I could be, just like the Lady Vols.

My future career goal is to become a registered nurse and work with children. Currently, I am working with my Special Needs peers. During this class, I assist my peers with daily assignments. We work on daily living skills and academics. I help the students learn multiplication tables using finger tricks and memorization.

             There are several characteristics that separate me from the other players on the court. First, I am an extremely coachable team player. If a coach asks me to run a certain play, not only do I run it; I assist my teammates by helping them get in the right position as well. Second, I am a team player who puts team goals before my personal goals. Third, I play several different positions such as small forward, power forward, and center (the 3, 4, and 5).

            My childhood idol, Candace Parker has influenced how I play basketball. She shows everyone how to be a team player. Another person who has been a big influence on me academically and in basketball is my dad. He spends countless hours coaching me, rebounding, and encouraging me to improve my game and make good grades. 

            My goal is to play basketball in college and get a nursing degree. After college, I would like to play in the WNBA and share my basketball skills with special needs children in a special needs basketball camp.