Riley signs with UNA

Breanna Riley signed a letter of intent to play softball at the University of North Alabama. Shown with her are her parents David and Debra Riley, seated from left, and, standing from left, Michelle Kelso, assistant coach, Daniel Bates, head coach, Robin Riley, assistant coach and Johnny Berry, athletic director. | Clif Knight

Breanna Riley, a four-year starter for Hartselle High School’s softball team, is taking her pitching talent to the University of North Alabama.

The senior right-hander signed a letter of intent to play for the Lady Lions at a reception given in her honor in the school cafeteria on Friday. Offering congratulations and best wishes were her family, coaches, teammates and other senior athletes.

Riley holds school records for most career wins and strikeouts and is a three-time all-state performer in her sport. As a senior she is 16-1 with a 0.58 ERA.

“She has been a tremendous asset to our program over the past four years,” said coach Daniel Bates. “She is a selfless player who is always willing to do what is necessary to help her team win. She has had to play through injuries and other difficult circumstances during her career but has worked through them and emerged as a winner.”

Riley said she has dreamed of becoming a college softball player since she was in the seventh grade and is excited about having the opportunity to play at UNA.

“I wanted to go to a four-year college that offers a degree in industrial hygiene,” said Riley. “UNA has that, plus I really like the campus and it is close enough to home where my parents can come see me play. It is also where some of my friends play.”

But before she leaves the Hartselle Lady Tigers, Breanna has another goal to accomplish.

“Our goal is to get back to state and win the 5A softball title, she said. “It would be icing on the cake for us to bring home the championship trophy.”