Josh Riley

John 15:13 says “Greater love has no one than this that one lay down his life for his friends." This Bible verse was one that was not only examined but also emulated by Josh Riley, a young Christian man and FHU Soccer player who lost his life while saving the lives of two of his friends on July 24, 2004. While boating at Kentucky Lake, Riley swam to the aid of his drowning friend and gave him his life vest. He then swam to his friend’s 3-year old who had crawled from the safety of a floating tube and pushed him back to safety. Josh was overcome with exhaustion and drowned after saving their lives.

One of the dreams Josh had was to become a collegiate athlete. That dream was fulfilled at Freed-Hardeman University, where he became the first player signed by Head Coach Jason Elliott in 2001. Throughout his playing career, Riley started every game for the Lions and was a key Defender for the program as a result of his relentless work ethic.

“Josh was a tremendous young man who loved others unconditionally,” said Jason Elliott, head coach for the FHU soccer programs. “As a player he was a tremendous teammate who always put the team first. Josh was a defender that was tough to get by because he would never quit and you always knew he would give maximum effort.  When we signed him in 2001 we knew that his thankful and loving heart would impact our team and it did every day as it was a joy to be around his enthusiasm for life. He loved his family so much and after playing at FHU we saw his love for his wife Kristi in building a life together.”

After hearing about Riley’s tragic death, the coaching staff and former teammates inquired about the possibility of naming the soccer field in Josh’s honor. Those dreams were developed into the creation of the Josh Riley Soccer Complex, which consists of a regulation pitch, practice field, stadium lights and a Press-box completed in 2015. At the time of his induction, funds were being raised to expand the complex to include new bleachers and a section designated as a Memorial.

Josh demonstrated tremendous character throughout his life and will go down as one of the most selfless athletes to ever play the game at Freed-Hardeman University.