‘An extroverted introvert’: How Riley Snead’s performance arts translate to New Albany field hockey
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
By Michael Rich
mrichnotwealthy@gmail.com
New Albany senior Riley Snead has used her background in the performance arts as a way to develop her leadership skills for the Eagles’ field hockey team. Photo: Kevin Rouch
If talent comes in many forms, Riley Snead is modeling a plethora of them.
Not only does the senior show her talent in field hockey, where she’s been a staple with New Albany since she was a freshman, but Snead is also gifted on the stage, in dance and as a vocalist.
As she navigates her final year with the Eagles, Snead is taking on a leadership role. It’s something that doesn’t come naturally despite her background as a performer.
“In theatre, I’ve always thought of myself as an extroverted introvert,” Snead said. “It’s hard to put myself out there.”
It’s a skill she’s learned in the performance arts. Snead started ballet when she was 3 years old because her mother, Kelly, had a dance background. She added theatre and choir to the mix as she got older. And if that weren’t enough, Snead also participates in other school activities such as mock trial and other leadership groups.
“I’ve learned to manage my time better than how I would normally,” Snead said.
She participated in SIX the musical, which was put on by New Albany’s honors advanced theatre practicum class in February.
New Albany head coach Marissa Weldon talks to her field hockey squad prior to the Eagles’ match with Columbus School for Girls Monday. Photo: Kevin Rouch
“It’s sometimes kind of like I have a mask on,” Snead said. “(In) presentations at school, (I’d be) shaking in my boots. Something I’ve learned about in sports is I’m not going to show emotion until it’s over.
“Because if I’m in the game right now or I’m in the presentation right now, I can’t let anything get to me. And then (I can) shrink back into my shell and hope nobody’s looking at me.”
Snead didn’t take up field hockey until middle school when a friend introduced her to the sport. As a freshman, she worked her way from junior varsity to varsity. She was a starter by season’s end and was on the field when the Eagles were state runners-up to Thomas Worthington.
“I kept watching her J.V. games and once I saw she had composure and could handle tougher teams, we threw her in (on varsity),” Eagles coach Marissa Weldon said. “She did really well and has been there ever since.”
The Cardinals have won the last four state championships, including last year where they ended New Albany’s run in the regional final.
Snead scored three goals and added 10 assists for the Eagles, who finished 16-5.
New Albany is off to a strong start after opening the season with wins over Lancaster (9-0 on Aug. 19) and Columbus School for Girls (5-0 on Aug. 24).
New Albany junior Emily Valasek (right) attacks the goal during the Eagles’ match with Columbus School for Girls Monday. Photo: Kevin Rouch
Senior midfielder Logan Snyder and sophomore forward Gwen Anthony have three goals apiece, senior midfielder Anna Wilcoxon has two goals and an assist through one and junior forward Emily Valasek has two goals through two games. Snyder also has two assists.
“(Snead is) like the quarterback on our team,” Weldon said. “She sees everything out of the backfield, so she’s constantly communicating about what others on the field need to do.”
The skills she’s picked up in performance have translated onto the field.
“Dance and field hockey (utilize) the ability to adapt and immediately change your situation,” Snead said. “Then there’s also being coachable. That’s a huge thing. You have to be able to immediately take a correction but not take it to heart.
“Your teachers are tough on you but they’re doing it out of love to make you a better dancer. That’s the same thing in any sport. (Because of it), I’m able to adapt to any coaching style.”
Snead is planning on playing collegiately at Batten University, a Division III school in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She plans on continuing in the performing arts for fun. She has other plans for her career though.
“I (want) to just be involved with people,” Snead said. “I want to major in criminal justice. (It’s) completely unrelated to anything I’ve ever done in my life. I want to be a cop and hopefully a detective one day.”
Riley Snead has committed to Division III Batten University in Virginia Beach, Virginia where she will continue to play field hockey but also perform for fun. Photo: Kevin Rouch