RILEY DOTSON 

Tahlequah Track

Riley Dotson has been not only a standout athlete, but a record-breaking athlete at Tahlequah High School.

In three years, Dotson, currently a junior, has excelled on both the softball field and on the track, as well as on the basketball court.

Dotson was a part of a school record as a member of the 4×100 relay team last year during the Class 5A OSSAA State Track and Field Championships. She’s also a member of the 4×200 relay team that holds a school mark.

“Beating a school record in track is an incredible feeling. The moment it happens you feel a surge of energy, and a great sense of accomplishment,” said Dotson, who also ran a personal-best 59.35 in the 400 meter at last year’s state meet. “We pushed our limits, succeeded, and now we get to see our names on the record board.”

“I want to make it back to state my last two years I have in high school and beat the school record in the 400 meter,” Dotson added.

“Multi-sport athlete. Quiet team leader, hard worker, and a coach’s dream to work with,” Tahlequah head coach Elzy Miller said. “She’s also on a 4×400 relay that could break school records at some point. Excellent student.”

Dotson is a two-time District 5A-4 Player of the Year in softball under head coach Chris Ray and also commits a lot of her time in summer travel play. The Lady Tigers have advanced to the Class 5A State Tournament the past three seasons.

“The past three years of high school softball have been great. I love the program and coaches, and have made many memories along the way,” Dotson said. “We have made it to state the past three years, which is a great experience for anyone to have. The atmosphere there is awesome.”

Dotson, who outside of athletics is involved in church youth group, FCA, S-Club, NHS and Link Crew, plans on playing softball at the next level following her career at Tahlequah.

“My plan is to continue my softball career at a juco school. I do have a few jucos interested in me,” she said. “Education wise, I want to be either a physical therapy assistant or go into sonography.”

Dotson says her mental approach has had the most growth over her high school sports career.

“I feel like the area I have improved the most would be my mental approach. I am always pushing myself to be better and putting in extra work to get there,” she said.

Her top moments are her times spent with her teammates.

“My most memorable moments would be having friends on the field, court and track. I love the work and seeing our teams accomplish our goals,” Dotson said.