All throughout the spring soccer season, freshman center back Caitlyn Riggs made a habit of finding the back of the net.
Riggs, who redshirted the fall season, entered a crowded backline needing to stand out, and she did just that. She scored four goals in five spring games, all coming from set pieces.
She netted two last weekend with a game tying goal versus the Washington State Cougars, and another goal in their win over Central Washington University to cap her amazing spring season.
Hailing from Auburn, Washington, scoring goals is nothing new for Riggs. During her four-year career at Auburn Riverside High School, she was a dynamic player who contributed both as a forward and a defender. She appeared in 72 games and recorded 131 points, the third most in program history, tallying 55 goals and 21 assists.
Riggs earned all-league and all-area honors in both her junior and senior years. She was named Offensive MVP as a junior and also received MaxPreps Player of the Year honors in consecutive seasons.
She capped off her high school career with an impressive senior campaign for the Ravens, recording 18 goals and four assists while earning NPSL first-team all-state recognition.
Her performance caught the attention of Idaho head coach Jeremy Clevenger, who offered her the opportunity to join the program. Riggs announced her commitment to the Vandals on Oct. 29, 2023.
After trading in her blue No. 9 Ravens jersey for a black and gold No. 19, Riggs sat out the fall season but has looked the part this spring.
Playing center back, she has added competition to an already deep position group. Clevenger spoke about that depth:
“Our back line is pretty competitive,” Clevenger said. “Izzy Thoma, Bella Gissendanner and Miranda Goldner have done well, but Caitlyn Riggs has stepped up. Basie as well. Those are the tightest battles right now.”
With so many players competing for time, the Vandals benefit from depth and flexibility along the back line.
“We can go deep. I was really happy to see a lot of people step up,” Clevenger said. “The fall is a long season with a lot of games, so we’re going to need those players.”
With her size, speed, ability to read the game, and incredible aerial presence when the ball is in the air, Riggs has put herself in the mix to be a key contributor when the Vandals take the field this fall.