Get to know your Eagles. The Naples Daily News will profile an FGCU athletic program member each week to introduce fans to the players and coaches representing the Blue and Green during the 2024 season.
Riley Oakes is a graduate center fielder for Florida Gulf Coast's softball team. The Oviedo native spent two seasons at Radford (Va.) before transferring to FGCU as a junior. This season, she has a .333 batting percentage with 23 runs and 21 RBI while recording 84 putouts on 89 chances through play on May 9. The Naples Daily News sat down with Oakes to learn more about her.
Question: What made you land on FGCU when going through the transfer process?
Oakes: I transferred from Radford University in Virginia, and I realized that I wanted to be closer to home. I'm from Orlando, Florida and I really liked the opportunity that my parents could come out to almost every single home game compared to when I was further away. And I just really fell in love with the coaching staff here and the way that DD [head coach David Deiros] held his practices and how he was as a coach.
What are some challenges you've overcome since coming to Fort Myers?
Oakes: I think for me, the biggest part was school-wise - I struggled a lot with my credits transferring over and keeping the same major. I had to switch my major [to health science] because I realized my major from my previous university was a little bit different with the classes I had taken, and I wouldn't have graduated on time. So I ended up switching my major when I got here, but I ended up falling in love with the major that I switched to.
What are some things you enjoy as a student-athlete at FGCU?
Oakes: I love the dynamic we have on the team here. I think like from my previous university to here, things are so much different, like our team is so much closer. We have a lot more resources here at FGCU for school. Along with DD, he just jumps right in and has honestly tutored me for every single science class that I've been in since I've been here. And I've never seen a coach that has done that before. He really pushes you hard on the field and in the classroom as well.
What advice would you give to incoming Eagles?
Oakes: I would probably say to, you know, get to know DD because he does come off very hard, however, he does have a very soft spot for all his athletes. You know, take the time to go into his office and get to know him as a person. Because once you do that, you're just gonna excel here so much more and you're gonna build that great connection with him on and off the field.
Do you have any pregame superstitions or rituals?
Oakes: So I think the only thing closest to that that I have is that I refuse to step on the line in the outfield. And I get on all my outfielders for it when we do our warm-ups. Like I yell at them not to step on the line with their foot because I feel like it's bad luck.
Do you have a favorite pro athlete or team?
Oakes: Growing up, my favorite pro athlete was Jennie Finch. [I was drawn by] her determination on and off the field. I follow her on all aspects of social media. And she just preaches a lot about like her faith and how it carries on to the field and pregame rituals and everything.
Favorite spot to eat near campus?
Oakes: I love Olive Garden. I'm obsessed with their breadsticks and salad. I definitely get full on that before even ordering my food.
What's your go-to pregame music?
Oakes: My whole team makes fun of me because I like to listen to EDM music. So I only get the opportunity every so often to hook up my phone to the AUX because they do not like EDM music. But there are a select few on the team that will let me take full advantage to get them like pumped up. But that's like my choice of music, but we will play a lot of throwbacks and just a lot of the new like hit songs in a locker room.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Eye on the Eagles: Get to know FGCU softball outfielder Riley Oakes
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