CLEMSON — The Clemson Insider sat down with Clemson freshman catcher/utility player Riley Burton.

The Tigers’ 2024 campaign begins on Feb. 8 in Clearwater, Fla., against Missouri State at the NFCA Leadoff Classic. Clemson’s first 11 games will be on the road with the Tigers returning for their home opener on Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. against Ole Miss to kick off the Clemson Classic.

Here is an inside look at who Burton is and her thoughts about playing for Clemson:

Where are you from? “I’m from Lancaster, South Carolina.”

Tell us something about yourself. “I’m from a family of seven. I’m the fourth child, I have three older siblings and then one younger sibling. I’ve grown up playing sports, it’s been basically my whole life. I started playing softball around third grade, around 8-ish and I’ve loved it since.”

Tell us something about you that your teammates do not know. “I was originally a swimmer, so softball was not the first sport I played… My best event was freestyle but I also did butterfly and backstroke. I was tall so I had a little leg up on everybody… But I’ve played about basically everything. Outside of softball, I love to paint and I played three different sports in high school.”

What do you like about Clemson? “The weather is pretty good for the most part. We get some rain here and there, but I love the campus. Everything’s pretty walkable for the most part, and I love the people here. Everybody’s such friendly people to be around and I just love the community.”

Other than softball, what is your favorite sport to watch? “Probably either football or basketball.” 

Who is your favorite professional team? “Probably the Steelers. I don’t watch it a lot but if it’s on I’ll watch them.”

What is your goal for this season? “Mainly, to learn from older teammates. We have a very experienced team, so [my goal is] to learn and improve every day.”

–Photo for this article courtesy of Clemson Athletics