SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with players who have Featured Profiles in the SoccerWire Recruiting Directory. The series allows players to share their stories on the college recruiting process, playing the game at the international level, travel and high school soccer, and their passion for the beautiful game.
In this edition we will showcase Riley Conboy, who plays for FC DELCO in the ECNL. Reed has verbally committed to play NCAA Division I soccer for the University of Kentucky in 2028.
SoccerWire Featured Player since March 2025.
What made you decide to verbally commit to the University of Kentucky?
I decided to verbally commit to Kentucky for many reasons. I was really searching for an environment that would challenge me as a player and grow me as a person. The coaching staff really emphasized the competitive environment, and that’s something I want to be a part of. I also think the coaches are all very kind, and when I toured the campus it was beautiful. Also, everyone on campus was so nice. Lastly, Kentucky has so many resources for student athletes that I think is vital to their continued success on and off the field.
What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
The recruiting process was nothing like what I expected it to be. It was exciting, but stressful at the same time. Before June 15th the showcases were really fun, but emailing so many coaches and worrying about performing at your best made me feel overwhelmed. At my first showcase I was more nervous than excited, and I felt as if I didn’t perform my best. Then I realized it was because I was nervous. I learned that I play my best when I go out and have fun, compete, and work my hardest in each game that I get to play in. After the first showcase, I learned to tune out all of the things that I was nervous about and I played like myself and had fun. But, when June 15th came I was nervous again, and very stressed out. Everything happened so fast, and even though there was no rush, I still felt overwhelmed. Making such a big decision was one thing, and making sure that I made the right one was another. Honestly, I really had to focus on what I wanted in a program and a school, and Kentucky truly was the perfect fit for me.
How do you feel your strengths on the field will help the Wildcats?
Kentucky likes to play with a free-flowing midfield, meaning the midfielders are interchanging. I think my ability to play anywhere in the midfield will help them continue to do this well. I also think my abilities to defend, read the game, and take players on 1 v.1 with my creativity will help Kentucky continue to succeed in the SEC.
What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
My favorite subject in school is science. I really enjoyed the Biology and Chemistry classes that I’ve taken my past two years in school, and I want to study Animal Science in college. I’ve always loved animals so I think this would be a great major for me to study.
What has your experience been like playing for FC DELCO in the ECNL?
I joined FC DELCO two years ago when I was going into my freshman year of high school. A lot of my old teammates from previous clubs I played for joined FC DELCO around the same time as me, so getting to compete with my best friends was really fun. I also got to meet a lot of new players and make new friendships which is really special. All the coaches at FC DELCO were so nice and supportive throughout the entire recruiting journey. Playing in the ECNL has given me great exposure to many different colleges, while also being a great league to compete against other talented teams.
If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play at a high level, what would it be?
I would say control the controllables. You’re not expected to have your best performance every time you play, but you can always control how much effort you put into each game, your emotions, your communication on the field, etc. Off the field you can email coaches, and continue to train and focus on the small details like scanning and your first touch that make such a big difference in performing well in games.
Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
I would like to give a shoutout to my family, especially my parents for shuttling my sister and I around for hours so that we can achieve our goals. I would also like to shoutout my twin sister Hannah for being my best friend and my training partner. She has always been my biggest supporter when I needed it the most, and she’s always willing to train with me. Throughout this past year she’s encouraged me when I felt really stressed and overwhelmed, even though she was going through the exact same process as me. She always went out of her way to help me when I needed it, whether that was doing passing or footwork drills, she was always there. I would also like to thank my coaches and teammates at FC DELCO and Pennington for shaping me into the person and player that I am.
What are your favorite pair of cleats that you have ever owned?
My favorite pair of cleats that I have ever owned are the pair that I have right now called the Nike Zoom Mercurial Superfly 10 Elite FG Soccer Cleats. They’re my favorite because of the vibrant colors that they have.
