Owensboro Catholic’s Karmin Riley has signed with Midway University to continue her basketball and academic career, capping off a standout high school run that began at Hancock County and flourished with the Lady Aces.
Riley, who started her varsity career as a seventh grader at Hancock County, joined Owensboro Catholic as a freshman. Over the next four years, she played a pivotal role in the Lady Aces’ success, highlighted by a 3rd Region Championship in 2022 and a trip to the second round of the KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16.
She spoke highly of Midway.
“When I went on my visit, it felt like a second home to me,” Riley said. “I love the campus, I love the coaches, and I love all of the players. I have played against or been on the same team with three to four of them, so it just felt like a second home.”
The move to Midway keeps Riley with longtime friend and Catholic teammate Aubrey Randolph, whom she has known since fourth grade.
Her recruitment began early, with Bellarmine University expressing interest during her freshman season. She said that interest grew significantly this past year, leading to frequent phone calls from coaches.
“When I had my first recruitment call, I was literally sweating, and I was so nervous,” Riley said. “My dad was in the car and I just remember freaking out because I didn’t know what I was supposed to say, but it was cool.”
Initially, Riley considered out-of-state schools such as Montreat College and Barry University in Florida, as well as Oakland City University in Indiana. Staying in Kentucky wasn’t on her radar until her visit to Midway changed her perspective.
Once she realized collegiate basketball was within reach, Riley focused on improving her game—particularly her defense. She said that once she committed to Midway, she felt a sense of relief.
“As soon as I made the decision, I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders,” Riley said. “I was stressing so much about whether I was making the right choice and what everybody was going to think. It was definitely a relief.”
She said Midway’s coaching staff envisions her as a shooter and scorer, and she plans to spend the summer preparing to meet those expectations.
“I will obviously be working on my conditioning because I want to be in great shape when I get there, so I don’t die from the summer workouts,” Riley said. “I want to be better at doing the little things.”
Riley plans to major in business at Midway University.
