Rams Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Riverside High School

Sports run deep in Leesburg, and Riverside High School has long been at the heart of it. It’s no surprise some standout talent once wore the Rams uniform. Today we're celebrating five unforgettable athletes from Riverside High School who made a name for themselves well beyond the hometown field.

1. Nadiya Johnson - Under Armor Next All‑American Volleyball Star

Nadiya Johnson was one of the most highly‑ranked high school volleyball players coming out of Riverside, ranked 38 in the country as a top outside hitter nationally and the No. 1 player in Virginia in her class. She was a four‑year varsity standout for the Rams, earning First Team All‑District and Second Team All‑Region honors during her prep career. Johnson played a central role in Riverside’s district, region and state championship runs, earning national attention as part of the Under Armor Next All‑American program and landing on the AVCA Player of the Year watchlist. She also earned Washington Post All‑Met recognition and was named to the U.S. Girls U19 National Team roster, marking her as one of the elite prep volleyball talents in the country. Johnson continued her athletic career in NCAA Division I volleyball at Baylor University. (Sources: Baylor Bears)

2. Harrison ‘H.T.’ Tragle - Three-Time State Champion Swimmer

Harrison “H.T.” Tragle was a key contributor to the Rams swim team, achieving state‑qualifying performances, particularly in the 100 Butterfly. Triangle’s high school career was decorated with accomplishments and accolades, a three-time VHSL Class 5 State Champion, four-time school record holder, All-American honoree and County Athlete of the Year. Tragle continued his swimming career at Virginia Tech University, where he is already making an impact, placing sixth in multiple meets and setting new career bests for himself in his freshman season. (Sources: Hokie Sports)

3. Noor Dhaliwal - All-State Field Hockey Player

Noor Dhaliwal was a standout field hockey player at Riverside, earning first‑team All‑State honors as a senior and being named her school’s Female Athlete of the Year. She also received Region Offensive Player of the Year recognition and was a four‑time All‑Region and All‑District honoree. Dhaliwal continued her athletics career at UNC, joining the Tar Heels field hockey program as a freshman forward, where she redshirted her first season. Before college, she also competed in national events such as the Nexus Championship and the USA Field Hockey Futures, and she won a gold medal at the 2019 AAU Junior Olympics. (Sources: Go Heels)

4. Cameron Farrell - All-District & All-Region Soccer Standout

Cameron Quinn Farrell was one of the top goalkeepers in Northern Virginia during his senior year at Riverside. A three‑time First-Team All‑District and two‑time First-Team All‑Region honoree, he was a leader on a strong Rams squad that consistently competed near the top of the state rankings. In addition to his high school success, Farrell played club soccer for Loudoun Soccer Club, garnering selections to events like the ECNL Conference Cup and Capelli Sport Cup. Farrell continued his athletic career at Virginia Tech, where he joined the Hokies’ men’s soccer program. (Sources: Hokie Sports)

5. Johnny Balkey - Three-Time Soccer Player Of The Year

Johnny Balkey was a key midfield presence for the Riverside boys’ soccer team known for his playmaking ability and leadership, which helped his team consistently compete for top state honors. As a three-year starter, Balkey won several accolades, including Class 5 District Player of the Year, Class 5 Region Player of the Year and Washington Post All-Met Player of the Year. His spectacular play earned him Division I attention, and he continued his soccer career at George Mason University. (Sources: Go Mason)

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