TCU Signs Touted Setter Riley Buckley to Begin 2023 Recruiting Class
12/23/2022 12:33:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Is a 6-1 transfer from the University of Missouri
FORT WORTH – Christmas arrived a day early for TCU volleyball, as the program landed its setter of the future on Friday.
Head coach Jason Williams announced the signing of University of Missouri transfer Riley Buckley to the Horned Frogs 2023 roster.
Buckley, 6-1, started all 28 matches for the Tigers as a freshman in 2022. Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, Buckley tallied 958 assists – the third-most out of all Power Five conference freshmen – along with 233 digs, 104 kills and 46 total blocks during her lone season in Columbia.
She will have four years to play three seasons in Fort Worth.
"I chose TCU because I will be able to play at a faith-based school that competes at a high level," Buckley said. "I also had an instant connection with the players and staff. Jason is trying to create a culture where the overall experience for each athlete is a priority, and that is extremely important to me. I'm excited to continue the legacy that Jason and the team have established."
Buckley is the highest-rated and most versatile setter TCU has ever signed. She was tabbed the No. 31 overall prospect in the class of 2021 by PrepVolleyball.com. Throughout high school, Buckley played the role of setter, right side hitter and middle blocker, leading North Raleigh Christian Academy to four consecutive NCISSA 4A State Championships.
"We are blessed to have Riley join the Frog family," Williams said. "We were in need of a setter that can come in and take our team to the next level. She will be a program changer for us on and off the court. Her character and leadership skills are elite, and we are excited for her to help us take the program to a place it has never been."
She wasted little time establishing herself as one of the top freshmen in the SEC in 2022. Buckley's assist tally ranked second among conference newcomers and seventh overall.
Buckley led Missouri in assists, sets played (107) and double-doubles (nine). Five of her double-doubles came at the expense of SEC opposition. She delivered 10 performances with 40-or-more assists, including a career-high 52 vs. Ole Miss on Oct. 22. Buckley demonstrated her ability to play multiple positions at the D1 level, as she finished nine matches with at least three total blocks and chipped in five-plus kills on eight occasions.
She is among the most decorated prep players the Tar Heel State has produced.
Buckley amassed more than 1,800 assists 600 digs, 100 blocks and 100 service aces over her high school run. As a senior, Buckley racked up 641 assists, 230 digs, 213 kills, 30 blocks and 27 service aces to pair with a kill percentage of .642 and .605 hitting clip.
Buckley became a two-time recipient of the prestigious Gatorade North Carolina Volleyball Player of the Year award in 2020-21 and 2021-22. She earned All-Conference and NCISSA All-State credentials all four years, including back-to-back Conference Player of the Year accolades in 2020 and 2021.
Her high school career garnered national acclaim.
Buckley was honored as PrepVolleyball.com/s National High School Freshman of the Year in 2018. As a junior, Buckley received Under Armour All-American second team honors, was named to the MaxPreps Preseason High School Volleyball All-American first team and was selected to the AVCA High School Region 4 All-Region Team. Buckley was named to the AVCA Phenom List as a junior and senior.
She began her club volleyball career with Triangle Volleyball Club in 2014 and later ascended to NC Academy.
Buckley is also a dedicated student. She maintained a 4.27 weighted grade point average throughout high school. Buckley intends to major in Spanish and pursue a minor in religious studies at TCU.
TCU anticipates announcing additional signings in the coming weeks.
Head coach Jason Williams announced the signing of University of Missouri transfer Riley Buckley to the Horned Frogs 2023 roster.
Buckley, 6-1, started all 28 matches for the Tigers as a freshman in 2022. Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, Buckley tallied 958 assists – the third-most out of all Power Five conference freshmen – along with 233 digs, 104 kills and 46 total blocks during her lone season in Columbia.
She will have four years to play three seasons in Fort Worth.
"I chose TCU because I will be able to play at a faith-based school that competes at a high level," Buckley said. "I also had an instant connection with the players and staff. Jason is trying to create a culture where the overall experience for each athlete is a priority, and that is extremely important to me. I'm excited to continue the legacy that Jason and the team have established."
Buckley is the highest-rated and most versatile setter TCU has ever signed. She was tabbed the No. 31 overall prospect in the class of 2021 by PrepVolleyball.com. Throughout high school, Buckley played the role of setter, right side hitter and middle blocker, leading North Raleigh Christian Academy to four consecutive NCISSA 4A State Championships.
"We are blessed to have Riley join the Frog family," Williams said. "We were in need of a setter that can come in and take our team to the next level. She will be a program changer for us on and off the court. Her character and leadership skills are elite, and we are excited for her to help us take the program to a place it has never been."
She wasted little time establishing herself as one of the top freshmen in the SEC in 2022. Buckley's assist tally ranked second among conference newcomers and seventh overall.
Buckley led Missouri in assists, sets played (107) and double-doubles (nine). Five of her double-doubles came at the expense of SEC opposition. She delivered 10 performances with 40-or-more assists, including a career-high 52 vs. Ole Miss on Oct. 22. Buckley demonstrated her ability to play multiple positions at the D1 level, as she finished nine matches with at least three total blocks and chipped in five-plus kills on eight occasions.
She is among the most decorated prep players the Tar Heel State has produced.
Buckley amassed more than 1,800 assists 600 digs, 100 blocks and 100 service aces over her high school run. As a senior, Buckley racked up 641 assists, 230 digs, 213 kills, 30 blocks and 27 service aces to pair with a kill percentage of .642 and .605 hitting clip.
Buckley became a two-time recipient of the prestigious Gatorade North Carolina Volleyball Player of the Year award in 2020-21 and 2021-22. She earned All-Conference and NCISSA All-State credentials all four years, including back-to-back Conference Player of the Year accolades in 2020 and 2021.
Her high school career garnered national acclaim.
Buckley was honored as PrepVolleyball.com/s National High School Freshman of the Year in 2018. As a junior, Buckley received Under Armour All-American second team honors, was named to the MaxPreps Preseason High School Volleyball All-American first team and was selected to the AVCA High School Region 4 All-Region Team. Buckley was named to the AVCA Phenom List as a junior and senior.
She began her club volleyball career with Triangle Volleyball Club in 2014 and later ascended to NC Academy.
Buckley is also a dedicated student. She maintained a 4.27 weighted grade point average throughout high school. Buckley intends to major in Spanish and pursue a minor in religious studies at TCU.
TCU anticipates announcing additional signings in the coming weeks.
TCU Volleyball | Big 10/Big 12 Challenge Win Over No. 18 Minnesota
Tuesday, September 10
Taylor Raiola talking about her time with TCU Volleyball
Thursday, June 20
TCU Volleyball NCAA Tournament Hype - It's Time to Show the World
Thursday, May 09
Frog Time - Episode 1 feat. Bri Green
Thursday, May 09
