Indiana University Kokomo senior, Reiley Hiser, is thankful for the opportunity to pursue her career in college athletics as a member of the Women’s Tennis Team. She will graduate in May with her Bachelor’s as an Occupational Therapy Assistant [OTA] with a minor in psychology.
Hiser reminisces as she recalls a monumental moment in her tennis career. She and her doubles partner at the time, Andrea Saylor, won against Oakland City, a number one team at conference in 2023.
“Andrea had been my only doubles partner since playing in college, and I definitely learned so much from her,” she said. “We had put in so much work and effort to be the best doubles team that we could and being able to apply all that I had learned and watching us give it our all meant so much to me.”
Hiser said her coach, Kristine Miller, was the most impactful in her tennis career at IU Kokomo.
“She has created so many opportunities for the team to work on bettering our game and who we are not only as student athletes, but as people in general,” Hiser said.
In addition to tennis, Hiser spends her time on campus working in the library. She enjoys reading, crocheting, and taking naps with her dog in her free time. She also enjoys working out and playing board/card games with her friends and boyfriend.
Hiser wishes to begin working after graduation at an outpatient clinic assisting mothers or children after birth. She plans to move to Virginia in the future, which is her dream location.
“Since I’ll still be in Kokomo right after graduation though, I still plan on cheering on the tennis team at their home matches as much as I can,” she said.
Hiser’s work ethic and persistence in her role as a student, athlete, and young professional proves a promising future as she continues to achieve her goals.
“Working almost full-time while being a full-time student and athlete definitely had me questioning if all of it was worth it, but I would choose this campus, the OTA program, and my experience every time if I could,” she says.
While her future success may be pending, she remains grateful for her experiences and success at IU Kokomo.
