From picking up a flag football belt as a toddler to strapping on a set of pads in freshman year, football has been a key factor in Senior Palmer Riley’s childhood. His journey now leads him to Princeton University, where athletics and academics intersect.
Choosing to play Division I football at Princeton was more than a decision based on football. The defensive end knew he wanted a place that would challenge him on the field and in the classroom, while also preparing him for the real world. Princton’s offer appealed to Riley, in that it provided both.
“[Princeton] has a really good reputation, and it’s obviously a very good academic school,” Riley said. “I think mainly for me, they have a summer internship program where you’re able to connect with alumni who’ve played football. […] It sets you up extremely well in the future because they help you build your resume, and that really sold it for me.”
The coaching staff also left a strong impression on Riley, who first visited the campus the summer before his junior year. “The coaches were so great. They spent around two hours with me, just walking around in the burning hot sun. I mean, [the head coach] is always texting me. He stays in touch with me.” Riley said. Over this past spring, Riley was able to bond with many of his soon-to-be teammates. Those early connections helped him feel welcomed and supported from the moment he arrived at Princeton. “It felt like I was already there,” he said.
Senior Trevor Van Der Pyl is excited for Riley to get the opportunity to further his football career at Princeton. “I’m really proud of him. He put in a lot of work for it and I’m glad it’s all paid off,” Van Der Pyl said.
Riley already has goals for his first year at Princeton. On the football field, Riley wants to gain experience playing at the collegiate level. Off the field, Riley hopes to keep his grades up to par at Princeton. “I’m really excited about Princeton and I’m excited that I’m not done with football, and I can’t wait for the next four [years],” Riley said.
