Meet Riley Tejcek! Riley is a powerhouse athlete, Marine Corps Officer, author, and public speaker from Carmel, Indiana, whose life has been defined by determination, discipline, and a deep love for sport. Her athletic journey began early, playing youth softball and basketball before committing fully to softball through high school varsity and her travel team, Indiana Magic, where she competed at a high level through her teen years.
Riley’s dedication to softball earned her a four-year varsity spot in high school and an athletic scholarship to George Washington University, where she played Division I softball and helped her team win the 2019 A-10 Championship. During her college years, she was more than just an athlete—she graduated cum laude with a degree in Political Science, served as president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and was a four-time Scholar Athlete, balancing rigorous academics with the demands of D1 athletics.
After college, Riley’s athletic path took a bold and unconventional turn—straight into the adrenaline-filled world of bobsled. As a pilot for Team USA Women’s Bobsled, Riley has earned over 20 medals from World Cup, North American Cup, and Europa Cup competitions between 2021 and today. She competed in two World Championships (St. Moritz in 2023 and Winterberg in 2024), represented the U.S. in the Olympic Team Trials, and was a member of the 2022–2023 USA National Bobsled Team, achieving a world ranking of 14th during that season. In 2025, she brought home a North American Cup gold medal and even transitioned into a new role as a World Championships commentator—continuing to represent her sport with the same passion and poise.
Riley’s leadership and respect among her peers were reflected in her being voted onto the Athlete Advisory Council. She competed in both the traditional two-man sled and the individual Mono-Bob discipline, showcasing not only her physical strength and mental toughness but her adaptability and relentless drive.
Outside of sport, Riley has continued to break boundaries. She is an active-duty United States Marine Corps Officer and was named the 2021 Female Marine Corps Athlete of the Year. From May to November 2024, she completed a combat deployment to Baghdad, Iraq, all while continuing to build her public profile and inspire others through speaking engagements, sports commentary, and television appearances. She has competed on Family Feud, won the game show Lingo, and was crowned Ms. Military in both 2023 and 2024.
In 2024, Riley added another major milestone to her list: becoming a best-selling author of the empowering children’s book If You Can Dream It, Be It—a message she clearly lives out every day. Though she recently retired from bobsledding, Riley remains deeply connected to the world of sports and fitness. She actively competes in HYROX events, runs 5k and 10k races, and coaches other athletes, continuing to lead by example. She is also a member of The LaunchBreak, a networking community for athletes.
Riley’s journey is a remarkable example of what it means to pursue excellence, embrace challenges, and boldly follow every dream. She uses inspiration and courage from her favorite Bible Verse: Joshua 1:9. Whether she’s sprinting down a bobsled track, leading fellow Marines, or inspiring the next generation through her children’s book, Riley shows us all what’s possible with hard work, courage, and heart. Read more about Riley!
Q: What sports did you play growing up?
I played basketball and softball. I continued with softball throughout college. Then I had met a Bobsledder who is also a GWU softball alumni and her example made me want to get involved! The Lord open the rest of the doors.
Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?
My Dad was a professional baseball player and I wanted to be like him so much that I took to mostly softball instead of other sports.
Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone because she is a Christian women and the best track star in the world! I love how she carries herself in all she does and how she dominates.
Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?
My favorite memory was competing in World Championships alongside women from all over the world and after the race cheering each other on and supporting each other more than anyone else even though we were competitors minutes before.
Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?
Sports has shaped me into who I am today and the reason why I am so determined, team centered and have good communication skills.
Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?
Playing a sport is the best way to learn discipline and will set you up for the future! Show up for yourself and your team daily and grind together. You will learn more life lessons in sports than anywhere else!
Coach Rachel 