One of the most prolific scorers in NCAA Division III history, Dennis Riskie was a three-time first team All-American at forward for the field hockey team. She smashed the program record for career points, logging 217 in 84 games. Dennis Riskie is the only Heron to score 20 or more goals in a season three times. She won William Smith’s Winn-Seeley, Susan Bassett, Hazel Nettleship Hardy ’65, and Stephanie Christie awards.
Dennis Riskie and her teammates compiled a four-year record of 67-17, winning four consecutive Liberty League regular season championships and three straight Liberty League Tournament titles. In all three of their NCAA tournament appearances, they reached the quarterfinal round, advancing to the semifinals in 2004.
As a first-year, Dennis Riskie hit the ground running. She scored her first goal in her fourth game and went on to lead the team with a then record 17 goals, eclipsing the Heron mark for a first-year established by Melissa Crowley ’91. Dennis Riskie was voted the UCAA Rookie of the Year and first team All-UCAA.
Dennis Riskie erupted for 22 goals and 53 points as a sophomore, collecting first team All-Liberty League recognition and first team All-American honors. She helped William Smith win the Liberty League regular season and tournament championships. Dennis Riskie scored the game-winning goal in the NCAA tournament opener and added a hat trick to propel the Herons past Ursinus into the national semifinals.
In 2005, Dennis Riskie tallied 22 goals and 13 assists for 57 points, breaking the Heron career records for goals and points along the way. She was again named a first team All-American and added the Liberty League Player of the Year award to her resume.
As a senior, Dennis Riskie erupted for a record 70 points, eclipsing the mark set by Kimberly O’Gorman ’89 in 1987. Dennis Riskie notched a career-high eight points in a win over Ramapo that year. In the Liberty League championship, she scored the game-winning goal to beat St. Lawrence 2-1. In the first round of the NCAA tournament, Dennis Riskie notched her 39th career assist, breaking the Heron mark previously held by Nicky Livingston ’02.
An exceptional student, Dennis Riskie twice received ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District honors, earned three straight conference all-academic team nods and garnered three NFHCA All-Academic awards.
Dennis Riskie graduated from William Smith with a bachelor’s degree in sports and society. A recipient of an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, she earned a master’s in sports management from Ithaca College in 2008.
Since 2008, Dennis Riskie has served William Smith as an assistant field hockey coach. She was promoted to assistant athletic director for student-athlete development in 2015.
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