Over the past several years, it is safe to say that Riley McArdle has been the most recognized volleyball player in the Panther Valley program. She has received numerous accolades, and has established herself as one of the best volleyball players in school history.

Recently, McArdle and teammate Morgan Orsulak were both named to the all-state team for their efforts.

Still, through it all, McArdle kept a simple approach to her stellar four-year career as a standout player, an outstanding teammate, and a helpful teacher in the program.

“I was always going out there to have fun, but at the same time I have taken volleyball very seriously since I started in third grade, “ said McArdle. “I try to be as prepared as I can be, so that I’m able to do my best.

“I’m happy to receive all these accolades, but volleyball is such an amazing team sport. The championship banners in our gym are hung from the ceiling. When we were warming up, whether it was before a game or practice, I would always stare at them with one goal. I will tell myself to work harder than the day before to chip away at that one goal.”

McArdle played her part in bringing a Schuylkill League title to Panther Valley during her career. The Panthers lost to Notre Dame of Green Pond in the district final this season and finished with a 20-2 record.

In the process, McArdle set a new school record for career digs with 947, while also recording career totals of 795 kills and 217 aces.

Her compassion, will, and determination to be best helped earn her the Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Volleyball Player of the Year award for the second consecutive season

Since their beginning together in early elementary school, junior Natalie Vermillion has relished the personal and the learning moments with the senior captain.

“Having her as a teammate has made my volleyball experience entirely enjoyable. I will miss her on the court next season,” said Vermillion. “I could always relay on her to be a great leader, to pick me up if I was having a rough practice or game, and to give it her all every moment of every game.

“She has made a large impact on the Panther Valley volleyball program.”

Orsulak, a sophomore, who has known McArdle since eighth grade, sees a similar picture of her teammate.

“Riley is an amazing person on and off the court,” said Orsulak. “She always has been such an encouraging and positive teammate. She works very hard to be the best player she can be.

“Riley has meant so much to the Panther Valley program.”

McArdle admittedly has taken her cue from head coach Emilie Baker, who was a standout player at Pottsville Nativity, leading her team to three district titles.

“She definitely has had a huge impact on me,” said McArdle. “The whole staff is the best I have ever seen. They have played the sport before, and they know what they are taking about. We know that it’s coming from their heart.

“They are just a special group of coaches.”

Baker shares some collateral thoughts about her four-year starter.

“This past season, I saw Riley at her best,” said Baker. “I’ve coached Riley since she as in eighth grade. Anyone who has watched Riley over the years knows that she has grown tremendously as a player. She has grown as a person, too, as she has learned to be more confident in herself and to be a leader.

“Riley is one of those special players. She knew what I expected from her, and she was determined to reach the goals that I set for her. Not a lot of athletes put in the extra time, but Riley always did.

“Younger players on the team looked up to Riley and wanted to have a work ethic like her. The work ethic Riley showed the past four years rubbed off on the younger players.”

In addition to volleyball, McArdle is a track standout in sprints and jumps and enjoys taking pictures. She is also involved in the school’s National Honor Society, Student Council, and newspaper.

Over the past four years at Panther Valley, McArdle has had her share of fun - especially on the volleyball court.

As a result of that, McArdle has contemplated the thought of coaching someday.

“I would like to share my knowledge of the game with younger players,’ said McArdle. “It is something that I think about. I knew from an early age that volleyball was my sport and I wanted to play it here at Panther Valley and I would love to pass my passion for the game on to others.”