NAOTB: Riley Crooks
Thomas Dick, Texas A&M Athletics Communications
12thMan.com chatted with Riley Crooks, a stellar freshman center back. Crooks is part of an exciting group of Californians dedicated to making an impact on Aggie soccer.
How has the adjustment been so far in Aggieland?
It’s been really good. I think coming in during the spring really helped me and the team has made this a very easy transition.
One semester in, what’s been your favorite part of Aggieland?
My favorite part is the culture within the athletic department. Seeing all the different teams in the dining hall is cool and everyone is really nice. Obviously, there is nothing like the 12th Man so it’s just a once in a lifetime experience.
When you were looking for a school, what boxes did Texas A&M check off for you?
The culture. Especially just being around the team on my official visit, you could tell that they were a family and that was one of the biggest things that I was looking for.
How was your official visit and what was the one thing that you think sealed the deal?
Seeing the 12th Man really sealed the deal for me. Going to the football game was fun, but I had never been to a college soccer game where that many people came to watch and were so into it.
With that said, how excited are you to play in front of the 12th Man?
I am so excited. I can’t wait for it. The spring season was just a little taste of it, but I’m really excited for the fall season.
What attributes do you bring to the team?
I think I can be a leader in the back. I’m just a freshman now, but I want to be a leader in the back and be someone that can distribute the ball and help organize our team.
Individually, what is the coaching staff working on with you to improve your game?
I wasn’t. I actually didn’t do much for colleges and never really considered it until I grew older and my mom said, “What do you want to do?”. I told her I haven’t really thought about it and never considered the opportunity of playing for a Division I soccer program. At the time I was just having fun, and it was something that I knew I loved to do. I didn’t know of all the possibilities and opportunities that were going to be given to me.
What position does the staff have you playing right now and how comfortable are you with that?
I'm at center back. I've played that and outside back most of my life, but I definitely like playing center back now.
Back in 2014 when Texas A&M went to the College Cup, they had a big California influence on the roster, and it appears that it’s coming back. Is there a certain vibe that the California players have or a style of play that they bring that helps?
I think so. Obviously, the level of competition in Southern California and Texas is the best there is. I know the next recruiting class also has a lot of girls from California. I think we just bring a speed of play that is hard to find in other places. We play very fast, and we are very aggressive, so I think that fits in with Texas A&M.
Your mother was your high school coach, how was that experience?
It was good. It was definitely rough the first year being a freshman with your mom as the coach, but I loved it.
What do you think was the most important thing she taught you?
Being a hard worker. She also played college soccer, so I got to learn a lot of stuff from her, like learning how to read the game. She was always watching and coaching soccer, so I always had it drilled into me that you have to learn how to read the game.
When you go back to California, where is the first place you’re going to eat?
That’s a hard one. Probably one of the acai bowl places. I think there is only one place here.
There is an entirely new backline this year. How is everything meshing and what can Texas A&M fans expect from the defense?
I think they are going to be very pleasantly surprised. We have worked a lot, especially with Coach (Tim) Strader. He’s been amazing working with our backline. We have really started to connect, especially in the spring. We are one unit now; it’s not just individual players anymore.
What is your major and what are your future career ambitions?
I’m majoring in Kinesiology, and I want to go into either athletic training or physical therapy.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
When I’m back home I love going to the beach, just growing up around there. When I’m in College Station I like trying new food places or just hanging out with my friends.
