Blazers Offer Love & Hope for a Bright Season

IRVING, Texas – Where there is Hope, there is Love.

Dallas College North Lake volleyball has both. And this year, the Blazers have faith things will be different. It's a belief system that will take its course over the next three months, but one that has the Blazers buzzing to start the season.

Hope Miller and Love Riley bring back experience and punch to the Blazers' attack. For sure, they will be on the offensive this year as the season begins Friday at the Weatherford College Tournament.

"The chemistry is definitely different," said Riley, a sophomore hitter from Irving Ranchview High School. "We're more bonded together now."

While Riley is primarily a front row presence, what with her hops and athleticism, Miller is a multidimensional six-rotation player. Last year Riley and Miller both earned Honorable Mention All-Dallas Athletic Conference honors. Riley was selected as the DAC Defensive Player of the Week once. Miller, a sophomore hitter from Evadale, Texas, had 153 kills, 45 aces, 303 digs and 54 blocks. Riley had 167 kills, 98 blocks and 80 digs.

Over the summer, Riley and Miller spent time working out for four-year programs who've expressed interest in a potential scholarship offer.

"Words can't really describe how blessed I feel to even have the opportunity to see coaches that believe in me to try to go and play at their four-year level," said Riley, who promises her effervescent social media presence won't disappoint this year. "Every day in the summer, I've been in the gym, trying to better myself and perfect my craft. I made it my top priority. That's how important it is."

There is certainly Hope a four-year school scholarship is in the works. And the two of them might just come as a package deal. They both worked out for a few schools together.

"It's really exciting, and I'm also blessed for the opportunity to move on to the next level," Miller said. "It just makes me feel good that other coaches are seeing the work and the time that I'm putting in, and giving me a shot. I've also made it the top thing on my list to be able to move on to the next level."

This summer they became bonded on these workout road trips, showcasing their skills and spending time together off the court.

"I feel like it brought our chemistry closer together," Miller said. "It'll be easier to work with each other on the court."

On a trip back from a visit to Arkansas Tech, it started pouring rain. The Blazers' pair needed to stop for gas. That meant scramble mode to stay dry.

Wishful thinking.

"It was only for like two seconds, and I got just drenched," Riley recalled. "I couldn't do anything but laugh. It was just like, 'Wow.' Being part of a team, it's really a sisterhood. I grew up as an only child. I really cherish little moments like that. It just meant a lot to me."

Miller uttered four words during the dash to stay dry.

"We got out of the car, and I said, 'One, two, three, go,'" she said, laughing.

Didn't work. But hey, they grabbed their share of snacks for the ride back. And they'll always have that wet story to tell.

Miller and Riley played in 30 matches together last season – one that didn't go the way the Blazers had planned. This year, they are hoping for double-digit wins for the first time since 2018.

"Not only are our names unique, it's just a good feeling to know that someone's always going to be able to hold me accountable to be better," Riley said. "Iron sharpens iron. I love playing with Hope, and I know our team, when we're on the same team when we scrimmage each other, it's magic."

There's a connection for sure. One that's starting to brew with optimism – a belief that is running its course throughout the team.

"I feel like I'm more confident, and it also helps that everyone's wanting to be here and put in the time to create the team that we want to be," Miller said. "I love how we're both energetic and uplifting to not only to each other, but the team. I feel like that's a very big thing for us."

It's a trickle down effect from the top. The culture within the North Lake circles is one where head coach Cathy Carter has created a different feel for this year's group.

"Honestly, I feel like Cathy, she's made it … who she feels is going to make us better," Riley said. "Who she recruited differently this year than last year, I feel that's also a big one. I'm ready to play. I'm ready to give it my all every time on the court."

That's a Love for the game.

"I'm also really excited just to be a part of this team," Miller said. "And just show everybody what we've created."

Yep, there's definitely Hope on the horizon.

"I really do have faith that we have a good chance to go to nationals," Riley said. "I feel like we're the underdogs in this situation, and I really can't contain my excitement."

Together they bring Hope. And if all goes well, the Blazers will Love that.