La Mirada junior Riley Hilliard is off to an incredible start this season and has been named Athlete of the Month for February. As the Matadores’ catcher, Riley has already made a huge impact at the plate and behind it.

Riley, who has been playing softball for 12 years, is having a standout start to her junior season. She is currently batting an unbelievable .686, with 10 doubles, 4 home runs, and 17 RBIs, showing just how dominant she’s been offensively. Every time she steps up to the plate, she’s a threat to do damage.

Head coach Brent Tuttle shared that Riley has “started the year off on fire,” and it’s easy to see why. Her consistency and power have helped lead the Matadores early in the season and set the tone for the rest of the team.

Riley’s success doesn’t just come from talent—it also comes from her love of the game. She says her favorite part of softball is “my teammates and the competition,” which shows in how she plays every game with energy and focus. One of her most memorable moments was earning First Team All-League as a freshman, which set the stage for the success she’s continuing to build now.

Looking ahead, Riley has already committed to play at the University of Oklahoma, one of the top softball programs in the country. It’s a perfect fit for her, especially since her favorite athlete is Oklahoma legend Jocelyn Alo, who she looks up to as one of the greatest hitters ever.

Riley doesn’t play any other sports—she’s fully dedicated to softball—and it’s clearly paying off. With her strong start and leadership, she’s someone to watch the rest of the season.

Congratulations to Riley Hilliard, La Mirada’s Athlete of the Month for February!