CEDAR CITY, Utah - The circle has always been home for Riley and Avery Nielson. This season at Southern Utah, it's where the sisters from Tucson, Arizona, reunite, bringing experience, depth, and a quiet competitive edge to the Thunderbird pitching staff.
After sharing a high school championship run at Sabino High School, the Nielsons now take the field together at the Division I level, focused on one goal: competing and winning as teammates.
"Riley brings a steady presence to our program and leads by her perseverance every day," Head Coach Don Don Williams said. "She has a great feel for our team and does an excellent job connecting our underclassmen and upperclassmen. Having Avery here has only strengthened that dynamic. Riley's experience and leadership are invaluable to us."
For Riley, the 2026 season marks a return to rhythm after a long road back. Now a redshirt junior, she enters the year healthy and motivated following a season-ending injury early in 2024 and limited action in 2025. Her comeback has been defined by patience, perseverance, and leadership that extends beyond the circle.
"I didn't want injuries to define my career," Riley said. "I just wanted to come back and compete again."
When she returned to action, Riley showed the steadiness that made her a standout at Sabino. She logged 25.2 innings with 15 strikeouts and a complete game, while continuing to grow into a reliable presence in the circle. Earlier in her career, she appeared in 10 games as a pitcher during her freshman season, gaining valuable experience that continues to pay dividends.
More than anything, the process taught Riley how to trust her preparation.
"I've learned how important it is to stay present," she said. "You can't think about the past or what's next, especially as a pitcher."
Avery arrives at SUU as a freshman with one of the most accomplished pitching résumés in the region. Over her high school career, she posted 44 wins, 33 complete games, and 613 strikeouts, holding opposing hitters to a .169 batting average or lower every season. Her sophomore year alone featured a 19–1 record, 160 strikeouts, and a 1.23 ERA.
While her offensive numbers were equally eye-catching, Avery sees herself first and foremost as a pitcher.
"The circle is where I'm most comfortable," Avery said. "That's where I've grown the most."
Her transition to the college game has been marked by maturity and consistency, traits that have stood out within the program.
"Avery has been very coachable and brings positive energy to the bullpen," said Head Coach Don Don Williams. "For a freshman, she's shown maturity on the mound this fall and continues to grow within our system. Both Riley and Avery are quiet competitors who set the standard through their preparation and consistency, and that approach has had a positive impact on our pitching staff."
That mindset was shaped by years of family coaching and elite instruction, helping Avery build confidence early on. Now, the demands of Division I softball—from strength training to daily bullpens—have pushed her further.
"We work harder here," Avery said. "And I'm grateful for that because it's making me better."
Watching Riley battle through injury only reinforced that approach.
"Seeing her fight through everything pushed me to work harder," Avery said. "She's one of the most resilient people I know."
Despite the competitive nature of pitching, the sisters bring a light energy to the team. Known for their chemistry and ability to keep things loose, they believe confidence and joy play an important role in performance.
"We compete hard," Riley said, "but we also keep it fun. That balance matters."
The season will open back in Tucson, offering the Nielsons a homecoming and a chance to pitch in front of family and friends. But beyond the familiar setting, both sisters are focused on a lasting impact.
"I want us to be remembered as players who helped change the culture," Riley said. "Who competed, led, and made this program better."
For Southern Utah, the reunion adds more than a family storyline. It adds depth, toughness, and two pitchers ready to take the circle together once again.
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