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Riley Trinkle’s unofficial visits to the College of Charleston began in the seventh grade. Her older sister, Halli, played for the Cougars and Trinkle loved making trips to see the campus, watch matches and tour the city.

Once she reached a recruitable age, Trinkle hoped College of Charleston head coach Angelo Anastopoulo would contact her.

“He reached out to me and I was like, super excited, because I love it there and Halli loves it there,” Trinkle said. “Obviously, I looked at other schools and I took other visits. But in the back of my mind, I knew I loved Charleston more. I don't know how I would be able to get Charleston out of my life.”

She won’t have to. The five-star senior from Charlestown, Indiana has committed to the Cougars.

Although her sister, who finished her five-year career at CoC last season, was the reason Trinkle became familiar with the program, Trinkle didn’t let that sway her decision either way.

“I never thought about falling into the same path, because we're very different people,” Trinkle said. “She was an accounting major and I plan to major in bio, and even on the court, our games are very different. So I wasn't worried about copying her. I have my own path I am following.”

Trinkle comes from a big tennis family. Her parents both played tennis at the University of Louisville and all of her aunts played the sport. She first picked up a racket at age 5 and never left the court.

“It’s kind of in my blood, almost,” Trinkle said. “I've been playing all my life. I started USTA around the age of 7 and I've just been traveling ever since. I think having parents playing kind of helps. But at the same time, it can also be even more stressful. But I think in the long run, like there's more advantages than disadvantages.”

Trinkle discovered her own joy from the sport rather than just playing because everyone else did.

“I think the competition is my favorite part, because I've always been a competitive person,” she said. “I’ve also built some lifelong friendships through the sport. My best friends are from my tennis community, so I like having that competition, but then also having that fun environment around it with my friends.”

Trinke, whose grandfather was a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Giants and Phillies, is the youngest of four children. Her two older brothers, Tyler and Colin, are both autistic.

“That is something that has really changed my life,” she said. “My parents have to sacrifice a lot, whether it's traveling for my tournaments or spending money on lessons. But they've also had to put a lot of their time and effort into my brothers as well. Our lives have not been like the easiest when it comes to that, but they 've done a very good job balancing that life out and maintaining a good life for them too. They definitely shape the person who I am today.”

Trinkle plans to major in biology at CoC with a career goal of enrolling in dental school to become an orthodontist

“I want to pursue the pre-dental track, and then minor in business,” said Trinkle, whose mom is a doctor. “Then, I can start my own business one day with the orthodontics degree. That way, I can be an orthodontist but also a business woman too.”

Trinkle is excited to carry on the family legacy at CoC while also charting her own course on campus. Being familiar with the surroundings and the coaching staff provides her with even more comfort as she prepares for the next phase of her life.

“It’s definitely a relief to have committed. Whenever I called the coach, I just felt a weight lifted off my chest. I was super happy for myself,” Trinkle said. “And whenever people ask, ‘Have you committed?’ I'm like, ‘Yes. I'm going to Charleston.’ And I always say it with a smile on my face.”

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About Rhiannon Potkey

Rhiannon Potkey is a veteran sportswriter with more than two decades of experience in journalism. Potkey has covered many sports at many levels and has a passion for finding great stories. Potkey has covered the U.S. Open, junior sectional and national events, college conference championships and Davis Cup matches. Potkey is currently Content Strategist for Tennis Recruiting. You can reach Rhiannon by email at [email protected].