Q&A with Rylee Wise

Brian Cox

Senior Rylee Wise (center) sits between her parents Mike Wise and Trish Wise in the Fieldhouse on Nov. 16 after signing to play volleyball at Concord University.

Senior volleyball standout Rylee Wise has signed with Concord University to continue her volleyball career. Wise was team captain during the 2022 season and led her team to states for the second consecutive season, where they were eliminated in the quarterfinals.

“Rylee is one of the most dedicated players I have ever had the opportunity to play with, and the way she is always there for anybody at any time is not something you see in everybody,” said senior Kylee Lewis.  

Wise sat down and answered a few questions  about volleyball and her future.

Q: Which strengths do you believe you have that make you a great athlete? 

A: I’m for the team. I want what’s best for all of us. As well, I give 100% all the time. 

Q: What makes you so passionate about playing volleyball?

A: I’ve grown up playing it, and all three of my sisters play or played it. It’s just something I’ve always been able to rely on. 

Q: Is there a coach or athletes or anyone you look up to as a role model? 

A: My coach, Erin Thorpe. She played volleyball with my older sister and I’ve looked up to her since then. 

Q: Why was Concord the best place for you? 

A:  They have a great education program and I felt very comfortable around the team and coaches.

Q: What decisions did you make before signing? 

A: I weighed my options with other colleges and decided that it was the best thing for me. 

Q: What does your signing mean? 

A: It means a lot to me. It’s a chance for me to count my dreams of playing college volleyball. 

Q: What are your pre-game routines and will you continue them in college? 

A: I don’t really have many. The only thing I do is wipe each shoe twice before we start.

Q: Who are your biggest supporters? 

A:  My mom and my coaches. 

Q: What are you most excited for? 

A: I’m most excited to meet new people. 

Q:  Were you relieved, happy, emotional while signing?

A: I was relieved because I had made a decision, and emotional because I’m moving on.