Randi Johns (2019) - Hall of Fame - Grand Canyon University Athletics

Randi Johns

Induction:
2019
Class:
2009

When Randi Riggs played softball at Grand Canyon, she set career GCU records in home runs, doubles, RBIs and walks while posting the fourth-best career batting average in Lopes history.

But when the call came that Riggs (Randi Johns in her GCU years) would be inducted Saturday into the GCU Hall of Fame, she was stunned and could not imagine why. GCU softball head coach Ann Pierson could not imagine why not.
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"Honestly, I couldn't think of a better person to go in," Pierson said. "We're just so proud of her. She represented the program in every way possible. It's absolutely fitting to bookend her career here."

Riggs remains in the area in Glendale, Ariz., as a Copper Canyon High School guidance counselor who is married to an Avondale firefighter, Brent, with two children, 4-year-old Bo and 1-year-old Ryan.

Ten years ago, she was finishing up her psychology degree and an illustrious GCU career that culminated with her receiving the Roland L. Beck Award as the Lopes athletic program's top female student-athlete.

The Waddell, Ariz., native and Goodyear (Ariz.) Millennium High graduate came to GCU as a shortstop and third baseman but moved to first base for her final two seasons after shoulder and biceps injuries. The defensive shift would not change her offensive focus, as Riggs hit better than .400 in each season.

"That was sacred," Riggs said of hitting. "That was my bread and butter.

"I truly miss being on the field. I miss BP (batting practice). I miss Ann throwing to me on the field. That was my favorite part. I could talk for an hour about all the teams I miss. I had so much fun with my teammates. We were such a family. We were such a community. I really miss the camaraderie. There's nothing like it."

Riggs, who played from 2006 to 2009, earned Academic All-America honors three times was named NCAA Independent All-America and NCAA Independent Rookie of the Year as a freshman.

For all four years, she was a teammate, roommate and classmate of Tana Holtorf Reischl. They registered for every class together and remain best friends.

In the classroom, she interned as a middle school counselor during her senior year, showing her the career path she wanted to follow to work with children and be able to coach, which she does as an assistant at Copper Canyon.

"Randi was a great player for the program but she is also a huge ambassador for the program," Pierson said. "She was a great player, great student and even better person. When people talk about the program, even ones who are kind of new, they know the name Randi Johns and she's earned that."

Beyond her work as a counselor and coach, Riggs has been active in community service with programs like the McKenna Youth Foundation and a school Christmas Angel program. It is the type of outreach she wants to continue to uphold the GCU honor that she is receiving.

"I just always had a service heart," Riggs said. "That also comes from being a team player. If you think about it, our community is a team. We have to work together as a team to make the best life for everybody."

But she misses everything about her GCU softball career, from playing Phase 10 at airport gates with her team to the early-morning workouts. She is admittedly jealous of the new GCU Softball Stadium but more proud to call herself "a pioneer" in building a program that led to its opening.

"What I really appreciate Ann for is that, with her high expectations, we were all able to create habits for ourselves that we all use in our adult life," Riggs said. "I still have nightmares when my alarm goes off that I'm going to be late and have to run.

"She really refines your skills as a player and refines your character. I learned a lot about work ethic and showing up and being loyal and being disciplined. She was big on work hard, show up and take pride in the program."

And now the program takes pride in Riggs.