Keaton Rikard Signs to Play Basketball at Campbell University

By Presley Harrison, Shield Editor 

On April 8, 2025, NRCA senior Keaton Rikard signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at Campbell University next fall. A hard-working and dedicated player, Rikard has been involved in the game since childhood.  

“I started [playing basketball] in fifth grade, for Upward, and then I started doing it in middle school for [NRCA]. Then I just kind of fell in love with it and kept going,” she said.  

The NRCA girls basketball program has played a huge role in Rikard’s development. "Playing on varsity since eighth grade, it definitely taught me how to play with older people and work with more experienced players," Rikard said. The high caliber of athletes on NRCA’s varsity team helped Rikard sharpen her skills. She follows in the footsteps of former teammates who played college basketball after graduating from NRCA.  

For Rikard, Campbell was the obvious choice for many reasons. “I really like the environment and the people and how the team functions together,” she said.  

In addition to being the right choice athletically, Campbell University gives Rikard the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong goal. She plans to major in nursing. “I’m going to study pre-nursing, so hopefully I can become a nurse one day,” said Rikard.  

As Rikard celebrates her athletic accomplishment, she is grateful for the people who helped her achieve her dream. “I’d definitely like to thank Coach Lester because he’s been my coach since seventh grade, and he’s definitely helped me become who I am. Also, my parents because they’ve always helped me become the player I am,” she said.