11/21/2025
When Riley Washburn arrived on the campus of Millington Central four years ago, she was trying to find her place at her new school.
With goals to be a good student, get involved and join the Lady Trojan Softball team, at the time Washburn didn’t know she had a ‘Saving Grace,’ that would make her transition smoother.
“I came in as a freshman, and I didn’t go to Millington for middle school,” she noted. “So I was a new face. I didn’t know anybody. The funny thing on the first day for tryouts I ran into an old teammate from like 8U, Grace Bell. She just signed last year. To have a familiar face, after that I found a whole new family.”
Washburn has played infield, outfield and pitched for Millington Head Coach Kasey Craddock the past three. Years. The Lady Trojans have won a district title and reached Sectionals during Washburn’s tenure.
On Nov. 21, Washburn joined her former teammate Bell in being a college softball signee inking her national letter of intent in the Millington Performing Arts Center to Mississippi University for Women Owls.
“I’ve always been the type of player to play anywhere my coach would put me,” Washburn noted. “ I’ve always been told that’s the type of player a college coach would want.
“It tells them you’re coachable and that you’ll go wherever they need you,” she added. “I am a team player, I want to play where my team needs me most to succeed. If I have to try a new position, I will try a new position.”
Washburn will take her versatile bag of skills to Owls Head Coach Rebecca Oldham in the NCAA Division II St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
In 2025, Oldham's Owls earned a second-consecutive SLIAC postseason berth, after going 25-17 (13-5 in the SLIAC).
Riley’s mom Stephanie knows the Owls will utilize her daughter’s skills, and the campus will benefit her future career.
“I am happy with her landing spot,” she said. “I am a nurse, so it’s a very well-known school in our circle. (Being around since 1884). First women’s college and they’re big into the sciences. That’s a very versatile school. She can go into nursing, family counseling and many other things. She wants to help the community.”
