Campus Newcomer: Kirkwood CC OF Miles Risley

We continue on with our Iowa Baseball campus newcomers series and we have another transfer on tap. A native of Johnston, IA, Kirkwood CC outfielder Miles Risley transfers to Iowa after two seasons with the Eagles program.

As a senior at Johnston, Risley was named Iowa HS Player of the Year, batting .440, with a .525 on-base percentage, including 15 doubles, three triples, six home runs, 37 RBI’s and 28 stolen bases. He was also named to the All-State Super Team and helped the Dragons to a 4A State Championship.

Over two seasons at Kirkwood, Miles accumulated 124 hits, 31 doubles, seven triples, 20 home runs, 102 RBI’s and 42 stolen bases. He slashed .338/.474/.624, helping the Eagles to 81 wins. Risley was an Honorable Mention All-Region selection this past season as a sophomore.

Kirkwood walks it off, grand slam to beat NIACC, 8-7 in B12. FR Miles Risley is the hero. @craigsesker @KCC_BSB @iabaseball1 @PGIASelect @NJCAABaseball @ICCACSports @PBR_JUCO @PBRIowa @PGCollegeBall pic.twitter.com/Si9Gi5Sv60

— John Behn (@john_behn) May 11, 2023

Miles Risley (OF, RFr.) with an extremely compact stroke here. Super short to it w/ a good turn thru the zone. Gets the barrel on it and drives it down the LF line, hustles out an RBI double here. @KCC_BSB #PGJC pic.twitter.com/xrfqMOWSM4

— Perfect Game Iowa (@IowaPG) September 23, 2023

We caught up with the 6-foot-0, 190 pound outfielder to preview his upcoming season with the Hawkeyes.

Q: When do you move to Iowa City and what is your excitement level like for that move in day?

RISLEY: I’ve actually already moved in and have been working out with some of the guys and the strength coach. That day was super exciting and I’ve been loving it here.

Q: What number do you plan on wearing and why?

RISLEY: I would love to be able to wear number 9. The reason being, I have worn it since sophomore year of high school.

Q: What have you been doing this summer to prepare for when you join the team?

RISLEY: I’ve been working out with (strength coach) Ryan Koester and been working on many different things in the cages with a couple of teammates.

Q: Your home run numbers went up and your strikeouts went down this past season, what went into that statistical improvement? What have you done to develop yourself into a better hitter?

RISLEY: I think the biggest thing was experience and seeing more and more college pitching. Hitting the weight room a lot helped improve my home run numbers as well I’d say.

Coach Pete (Lauritson) and Coach (Todd) Rima from Kirkwood really helped me develop into being a much better hitter. Recognizing different pitches earlier, and chasing less pitches out of the zone really helped me.

Q: You’ve played for two very successful programs, Johnston HS and Kirkwood CC, what have you learned from playing for those two high-level programs?

RISLEY: I’ve learned a ton from both programs. Being a good teammate was a key point from both programs and that has really stuck with me. Another key part of both programs was playing with high effort and energy, and that’s what I love to do.

Q: Looking back at your recruitment out of the transfer portal, what stood out about the Iowa Baseball program that made them an easy choice over other schools?

RISLEY: What stood out about Iowa was how much all of the players love it here. Every guy I’ve talked to has loved their experience here and what Iowa has done for them. The coaching staff is really great as well.

Q: Were there any other teams that you heavily considered during your recruitment?

RISLEY: Liberty, College of Charleston and Nebraska were all interested.

Q: What is your relationship like with the coaching staff? Who do you talk with the most?

RISLEY: My relationship with the staff is great. I’ve talked to Coach Boe and Coach Sutherland the most.

Q: Have you gotten a chance to talk with any of the current players on team? What is your relationship like with them?

RISLEY: I’ve been able to talk to quite a few guys on the team, and have known many of the palyers since high school. I’d say I have a good relationship with quite a few guys already.

Q: If someone asked you “what do you bring to the Iowa team?” How would you describe your game?

RISLEY: I think I bring Iowa a toolsy player who plays the game hard. I think I’m able to contribute in many different ways to the team.

Q: Iowa lost a couple of really good defensive outfielders in Kyle Huckstorf and Sam Petersen, is that an area that you feel like you can help fill in the outfield?

RISLEY: I think myself and the other outfielders will be able to fill in those spots and contribute a great amount to the team.

Q: Where does the coaching staff see you fitting in with the team?

RISLEY: The coaching staff sees me as a toolsy guy that can play the outfield well.