Riley Simpson

Class:
Graduate Student
Height:
6-3
Position:
Outside Hitter
Hometown:
Colorado Springs, Colo.
High School:
Rampart
Prev School:
Pepperdine/Baylor

Pepperdine (2024): Started in 11 of the 19 matches she appeared in, totaling 62 sets throughout the season… Recorded 107 kills and 122.5 points in total… On defense she recorded 28 blocks on the season… Set her season-high with five blocks against Washington State October 6… Added 21 digs during the season, four of which she recorded against Saint Mary’s October 17… In the same match she recorded a season high of 15 kills and 16.5 points… Her highest hitting percentage was recorded against Washington State November 2, where she ended the match with a hitting percentage of .563.

Baylor (2021-23): Attended Baylor University from 2021-23 and played three seasons with the Bears … Tallied 156 kills, 20 blocks, and 29 digs in 2023 … Recorded eight matches with double-digit kills … Posted a career-high 17 kills against No. 24 UCF on October 21, 2024 … Appeared in 61 sets over 23 matches in 2024 … Named Big 12 Rookie of the Week (9/6) in 2022 … Led the squad in aces nine times and in points twice her rookie season … Member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

High School: Graduated from Rampart High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado in the spring of 2021… Lettered four years as an opposite… Helped team to Colorado 5A Volleyball State Championship her senior year… Earned All-State first-team honors and was named Colorado Springs Metro League All-Area 5A/4A Player of the Year in 2021... Two-time All-State honorable mention… A 2020 Under Armor second-team All-American selection… Named to Volleyball Magazine's Top 50 in 2021... Earned the No. 51 on Prep Volleyball’s 2021 Top 150 List… Received first-team all-league and all-area honors in 2019, 2020 and 2021… Also lettered in basketball and track.

Personal: Born on November 26, 2002 in Colorado Springs, Colorado… Earned her Masters of Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine in 2024 and has aspirations of becoming an attorney… Working towards her Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Mediation from Colrado State… Daughter of Rick and Serena Simpson … Has three siblings; Taylor, Cierra, and Gabby… Sister, Taylor played volleyball at Nebraska and Colorado, Cierra played volleyball at Colorado and Gabby played volleyball at Colorado and Kansas… Her favorite athlete is Stephen Curry… In her free time she loves to hike, snowboard, spend time with friends and family, and being outdoors.

Kohan on Simpson: “As a 5^th year graduate transfer, Riley brings experience and maturity to our team. I love her size as a front row player, both as an attacker and blocker. But she also has the ability to play 6 rotations and impact the game defensively. We strive to make the best Colorado players into Rams and we can’t wait to celebrate her in her home state!”

Simpson on CSU: " I chose CSU because of its exceptional academic and athletic programs, which align perfectly with my aspirations as a student-athlete. As a volleyball player, the opportunity to represent my home state is incredibly meaningful, allowing me to play the game that I love while staying connected to my roots. Additionally, the strong sense of community at Colorado State offers a supportive environment that fosters both personal and professional growth. The university is also known for its excellent teammate camaraderie and dedicated coaching staff, creating an atmosphere where athletes can thrive both on and off the court. This combination of academic excellence, athletic opportunity, strong relationships, and leadership makes Colorado State an ideal choice for the next chapter of my journey.”