NEW CASLTE, Ind. — Since Nicole Wilkinson began talking to the coaches at Rider University around November of last year, she felt that in her heart that's where she wanted to go.
But with COVID-19 throwing the recruiting process for all aspiring college athletes in the Class of 2021 in a whirl, she had to wait for an offer. The coaches at Rider, Wilkinson said, were always honest with her when it came to telling her if there would be a roster spot available. That honesty is what helped Wilkinson make her final decision.
After months of waiting, wishing that a global pandemic didn't inhibit her from visiting the New Jersey campus and with other offers coming in, the New Castle senior remained confident she'd find the right place to play collegiate volleyball.