For Ryliegh Sinko, volleyball has been more than just a sport—it has been a lifelong passion that has shaped her journey both on and off the court. Her story began in sixth grade when she wanted to take on a fall sport. With soccer and cross country out of the question, her dad signed her up for volleyball. Initially meant to be part of a developmental program, Ryliegh's skills quickly earned her a spot on the 13U travel team, igniting a love for the game that has never faded.
At Penn State Schuylkill, Ryliegh has made an impact from the start. Her hard work and dedication have been recognized through numerous accolades, including PSUAC Rookie of the Year, Most Assists, Most Assists per Set, and Most Digs. Beyond her athletic achievements, she has also excelled academically, earning a spot on the Dean's List.
Choosing Penn State Schuylkill was an easy decision for Ryliegh. The encouragement she received from Coach Maddy and her future teammates during her recruitment and tour made her feel at home. She knew right away that this was where she belonged. That sense of family and support has only grown stronger throughout her time as a student-athlete.
Ryliegh has big dreams for her future. Majoring in accounting, she plans to open her own accounting firm and eventually start her own business. However, volleyball will always be a part of her life. She envisions starting her own travel volleyball organization, using the knowledge and experiences she has gained to mentor and develop future players. Through volleyball, she has learned valuable life lessons, including perseverance, leadership, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks—skills that will undoubtedly help her in her career and beyond.
Like many athletes, Ryliegh has faced her share of challenges. Injuries, particularly concussions, were significant setbacks that required her to rebuild her confidence and skills. Overcoming these obstacles took dedication, extra practice, and a strong work ethic, but she never let them define her. Instead, she pushed through, proving her resilience and determination.
Balancing academics, athletics, and personal life is no easy task, but Ryliegh has found a system that works for her. Using a planner, she prioritizes her responsibilities—academics first, athletics second, and personal time when possible. This discipline has helped her succeed both on the court and in the classroom.
One of the most important lessons Ryliegh has learned as a student-athlete is to "control the controllables." Life doesn't always go as planned, but by focusing on her attitude and response to challenges, she has grown into a stronger and more determined individual.
The Penn State Schuylkill athletics family holds a special place in Ryliegh's heart. From her supportive coach and teammates to the trainers, athletic directors, and media staff, she has found a second family that is always there for her. She deeply appreciates Coach Maddy for her guidance and unwavering support. "Maddy has become such an important person in my life. She is always there no matter what when I need something, and she always wants the best for me and the rest of the team. I can't say enough great things about her because there is just so much, and I am so glad that she has given me the opportunity to continue playing the sport I love."
Ryliegh also acknowledges the athletic trainers for always looking out for her well-being. "Kate and Maysen are amazing. They are always there for every athlete no matter what they need. I can always come down to talk to them between classes and rant to them about whatever is going on in my life. Also, when I had my concussion, they were great in getting me back to playing and helped me through everything."
She appreciates the athletic directors, Kayla and Owen, for their kindness and support. "Kayla and Owen are always the first ones to say hi to me whenever they see me and will always ask how I am doing. By having a work-study, they have been so helpful with working the games and understanding what to do."
Lastly, she recognizes Alivia for making the athlete experience even more memorable through her dedication to media and promotion. "Alivia has been amazing in making the athlete's experience memorable. She works so hard to make media fun and enjoyable for everyone, and she works so hard to promote athletics as much as she can."
Beyond playing, Ryliegh has taken on the role of a coach, leading a travel volleyball team while balancing her responsibilities as a college athlete. Although it can be stressful, the opportunity to mentor young players and watch them grow fuels her passion. Coaching allows her to give back to the sport that has given her so much, and she hopes to continue expanding volleyball in her community. Her ultimate goal is to create a positive and competitive environment where young athletes can develop their skills, gain confidence, and learn valuable life lessons. She wants to be a role model who not only helps players improve on the court but also guides them to be great people off of it.
While Ryliegh plans to move away and start her volleyball organization wherever she settles, her love for the sport and her drive to make an impact will remain constant. She hopes to inspire future generations, helping them fall in love with volleyball just as she did. Whether through playing, coaching, or mentoring, she is determined to leave a lasting mark on the sport she holds so dear.
