Digging Deep: Reilly Wadden’s Path from LCA to D1 Athletics

Lakewood Catholic Academy is proud to highlight alumna Reilly Wadden, Class of 2019, whose dedication, leadership, and work ethic continue to shine both on and off the court.

After graduating from LCA, Reilly attended St. Joseph Academy, where she quickly made her mark as a standout volleyball player. A four-year letter winner, she graduated as the career record holder for digs with 1,043, a testament to her consistency, defensive skill, and relentless effort. (For context, a “dig” is a defensive play that keeps a rally alive, often requiring quick reflexes and strong court awareness.)

Reilly earned All-Conference honors three consecutive years (sophomore through senior seasons) and played a key role in one of the most successful stretches in school history. During her time on the team, St. Joseph Academy captured three District Championships and a Regional Title, underscoring the impact of her leadership and contributions.

Her commitment extended beyond athletics. Reilly was also a member of the National Honor Society, balancing the demands of high-level competition with academic excellence.

Having just wrapped her third season at Cleveland State University, Reilly continues to compete at the Division I level as a defensive specialist, one of the most demanding and selfless roles on the court. Despite an injury-shortened sophomore season, she has already recorded more than 400 career digs.

During the most recent season, she posted double-digit digs in six matches, including an impressive 15-dig performance against Duke University, highlighting her ability to perform at a high level against top-tier competition.

Off the court, Reilly is equally driven. She is pursuing a degree in health sciences with a minor in marketing, while also working part-time as a nurse’s assistant at the Cleveland Clinic. Her hands-on experience in a healthcare setting reflects both her compassion and her commitment to making a difference beyond athletics.

Reilly’s journey is a powerful example of what it means to lead with discipline, resilience, and purpose. Whether in the classroom, on the court, or in her professional pursuits, she continues to represent Lakewood Catholic Academy with pride. We celebrate all that Reilly has accomplished so far and look forward to following her continued success in the years ahead!

To read about the accomplishments of current LCA student-athletes, check out our seasonal athletics newsletter, Saints in Action.

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