The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Get to know No. 7 Softball's Ryleigh White
02.16.2021 | Softball
Learn more about the standout freshman pitcher from Washington Township, N.J.
Learn a little more about Texas freshman pitcher Ryleigh White in the first of our "Get to Know" features!
Ryleigh White - 6-1 - Right-Handed Pitcher - Washington Township, N.J. - Immaculate Heart Academy
What were the major reasons you decided Texas was the right place for you to come to school and play softball?
Honestly, I was committed to the University of Tennessee for all four years of high school, thinking that was the place for me until Coach White left Oregon and moved to Texas. My very first visit in seventh grade was to University of Oregon with Coach White. I loved the idea of playing for his program, but I didn't love Oregon. The summer going into my senior year, I was pitching at PGF Nationals in California, and Coach White was at my game. I saw him immediately and was super excited. He watched my games and so did Coach Singleton. Since I had not yet signed my NLI, after talking with Coach White, I decided it would be a good idea to go check out Texas since he was now the head coach there. I went with my parents, and that was when I knew after meeting the staff and the players, that Texas was where I wanted my home to be for the next four years. I truly believe that he is the best pitching coach in the country, and I couldn't be in better hands. I love Austin, I love the campus and they have an excellent Special Ed. program. Hook 'Em!
How did you get started playing softball?
I started playing when I was five years old. I began with tee ball, and I was very, very bored. I wanted to be the pitcher and the catcher, and we had neither. In second grade, I told my parents that I wanted to be a pitcher, however, I also wanted to be a dancer, a cheerleader and a basketball player. Since I am terrible at cheering and dancing, I played basketball and softball competitively until high school, at which time I stopped playing hoops and focused only on softball.
Name three interesting things about you that people don't know...
1) I am from New Jersey but for all four years of high school, I would leave my family and move to California for the summers to play with my travel ball team. I played for Athletics Mercado Smith. I wanted to live and train with my teammates, not just fly in to pitch. I made some of my very best friends doing this. I wanted to play with and be coached by the best of the best. We won PGF Nationals!
2) My father is a Captain in the police force at Hanover Township Police Department in New Jersey, and my mother is an Applied Behavior Analyst for children with Autism. This is why I have chosen to major in Special Education with a focus in Autism and become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, because I see how much helping these kids has brought joy to my mom. It's a really trying and difficult job but rewarding at the same time.
3) People say I am like a golden retriever puppy, all goofy, friendly and uncoordinated.
If you had a full weekend off from softball what would you do to fill all the time if you could literally do anything or go anywhere?
I would go home to my house in Lake Mohawk, New Jersey, and spend the day on the boat with my family listening to music, fishing and tubing.
If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?
Healing hands. I would heal everyone close to me that needed it.
What's your favorite athletic memory or most memorable win from your time playing softball?
This may sound unbelievable, but my absolute favorite memory so far was the first time I pitched in a scrimmage in Red and Charline McCombs stadium. It was a surreal feeling, and I cannot wait for season!
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
I think I may still be in Texas! I would like to be working in Special Ed. and also coaching College Softball!
What's your favorite…
Phone app: TikTok
Color: Green
Food: Playa Bowls
Sports Team: Team USA Softball
Athlete: Michael Jordan
Reality Show: Temptation Island
Show to Binge Watch: All American
Movie: Creed
Musical artist: Zac Brown
What's your favorite class so far at Texas (and why is it your favorite)?
ASD. Autism Spectrum Disorder. I find it fascinating
Who's your favorite softball player of all time?
Former Alabama and current Team USA player Haylie McCleney. I love her energy, her ability to always come in clutch in big situations and her demeanor.
Where's the best place you've ever been on a road trip, vacation or school trip?
Siesta Key, Florida, with my mom, sister and Aunt. We drove 19 hours from New Jersey to Florida and had such a blast.
What do you hope people will remember about you from your time playing softball at the University of Texas?
I hope that people remember me as a great teammate, a fierce competitor, a good person and a legend. I hope they remember me as a member of a WCWS National Championship winning team!
What do you hope to do for a career following your playing days at Texas?
I hope to have a degree in special education and be a college softball coach!
