Honors: 2018 and 2019 Academic All-Big Ten
2019: Played in three sets as a serving specialist... had a season-high two digs vs. Iowa (Nov. 22)
2018: Played in nine matches and 11 sets as a serving specialist ... earned her first dig of the season against Northwestern (Oct. 12)
2017: Played in 25 matches and 54 sets ... averaged 0.22 digs/set and 0.09 aces/set ... made her collegiate debut against Louisville (Aug. 25) ... collected one dig vs. Syracuse (Sept. 1) ... recorded her first service ace as a Badger off a a career-high nine serves at Kansas State (Sept. 2) ... had one dig against Southern Miss (Sept. 16) ... recorded a career-high two digs against Michigan State (Sept. 22) ... had a service ace on 13 attempts at Michigan State (Oct. 7) ... earned a dig against Nebraska (Oct. 11) ... notched one dig at Maryland (Oct. 18) ... tied her career high with two digs at Minnesota (Oct. 21) ... recorded a dig on eight serves against Northwestern (Oct. 28) ... had once ace and one dig against Ohio State (Nov. 3) ... set a career high with two aces and added a dig against Maryland (Nov. 4) ... had one dig and served five times against Penn State (Nov. 24)
High School: Played two seasons at Neuqua Valley High School ... played club six years at Sports Performance ... her 15s team finished fifth at AAU Nationals with Bell receiving the club's C-Fed award, named after former SPRI player and coach Christine Federico, is given to a player who best demonstrates traits for fighting spirit, hard work and dedication ... in 2016, her 18s team finished seventh at nationals
Personal: Parents are Chrissy and Dan Bell ... has one brother - Brendan (22) and one sister - Avery (14) ... born May 18 ... nicknames are Ri, Bell, R Bell and RJ ... intends to major in Life Sceince Communications with a certificate in Global Health
Why Wisconsin?
"The University of Wisconsin is unlike any other school. The University prides itself on both sports and academics and holds value in both. The volleyball program specifically promotes growth and development for us as people just as much as players. UW has the best campus and the lake is part of that reason. You can't beat summers in Madison!"
Match Highs
Kills:
Attacks:
Attack pct:
Assists:
Service aces: 2 vs. Maryland, 11-4-17
Digs: 2 (2x; MR at Minnesota, 10/21/17)
Blocks:
Points: 2.0 vs. Maryland, 11-4-17
Off the court with Riley
First started volleyball: second grade
Most memorable volleyball match: Penn State at Penn State in 2018. It was one of the longest games that we’ve had but one of our best. It was an insane fight by both teams and so fun to be a part of.
The best part of playing volleyball is: the fans. I’ve been able to meet so many different people and inspire them to chase their dreams. It means a lot to give back to the sport and have such an amazing support system with our fans.
My favorite thing about Wisconsin volleyball is: how close I’ve gotten with every single one of my teammates and being able to see each other grow as people and players.
Before each match, I: join the dance party
Best UW road trip: This is quite the road trip but Europe, duh! Specifically, I loved Prague because it was so unique and nothing like I had ever seen before.
One word that describes the team: Strong
One word that describes me: Bubbly
What is the best thing you bring to the team? I think I’m a very optimistic person when things get tough. I always think about the times when we’ve been at our lowest and how those times are what has bonded us the most. I make an effort to be optimistic when faces with a challenge.
My teammates say I am: cheerful
Favorite thing to do off the court with my teammates is: go to the Hub rooftop
Dream as a collegiate player: Win a national championship
Post-college plans/goals: I want to work in nutrition and health, and become a certified yoga instructor.
The best thing about Madison is: the lakes
Fantasy job/career: Yoga instructor
Person most admired/role models: My mom - she's my best friend and the kindest, most loving person I know.
I can’t live without: dogs (especially mine)
My secret addiction is: ketchup
How would you like to change the world? I would like to end animal cruelty and help more people contribute to “adopt, don’t shop”
What are you most thankful for? My family
What makes you laugh? My friends and teammates
What did you want to be when you were 10 years old? A professional basketball player
What kinds of things do you like to cook or are good at cooking? I cook a lot of vegan things but my favorite is a vegan peanut stew.
What food do you crave most often? Apples
What does it mean to be a Badger?
"To be a Badger, means to be apart of something bigger than yourself. It means countless hours of hard work with no guarantee of the future, always being ready, pushing boundaries, being comfortable with being uncomfortable and always having a competitive attitude. A Badger has tenacity, grit, and passion but also love, compassion, and optimism."
