Among Rihanna Bryant's favorite things: Volleyball, cooking, shopping and Black Panther

Faces off the field gives a deep look into the thoughts and lives of high school student-athletes in the Austin area. Today we feature Rihanna Bryant, junior volleyball player from Weiss High. When she's not playing volleyball, she enjoys cooking for her friends.

All about Rihanna: Finding joy through volleyball, cooking

Tell something about you that most people don't know.

Many people might not know that I love cooking. I find joy in learning how to prepare new dishes and experimenting with flavors. Sharing the final creations with my friends makes the experience even more rewarding.

What do you like to do outside of sports when you have spare time?

I really enjoy hanging out with my friends and going shopping with my mom. It's a nice way to unwind and spend quality time with the people I care about.

What was the best thing you did in the summer?

The best thing I did this summer was go to Orlando for nationals with my club team, 16 Molten. We had an amazing time at the Orlando boardwalk for a team dinner, exploring a new place I had never seen before. We played games in the arcade and spent time eating ice cream together and taking pictures with each other.

If you could be any superhero, who would you be?

I would choose Black Panther. The character embodies strength, intelligence and a sense of responsibility toward his people. Black Panther not only protects Wakanda with his incredible fighting skills and advanced technology, but he also advocates for his community. Additionally, his connection to his ancestry and culture is inspiring, highlighting the importance of heritage and unity. Being Black Panther would mean having the ability to make a real difference in the world while embracing and celebrating one’s roots.

If you had a choice of being valedictorian of your class or all-state in volleyball, what would you choose?

All-state in volleyball. It would be an honor to be valedictorian, but there's something truly special about representing my school on the court and achieving that level of athletic recognition.

Team bonding at Smithson Valley tournament

What is your favorite part about volleyball?

One of my favorite parts about volleyball is the teamwork involved. Each player has a unique role, and it's amazing to see how well everyone has to work together to set up plays and score points. The intensity of the game, especially during close matches, can either break or make the team.

What has been your favorite memory of playing volleyball at Weiss?

One of my favorite memories at Weiss has to be our overnight tournament at Smithson Valley. What made it special was the time we spent together bonding as a team in the hotels before and after the games, as well as going to BJ's and Main Event.

Has volleyball taught you any lessons you apply to daily life?

One lesson volleyball has taught me that I apply in daily life is that certain things in life will come with failure. No one is perfect, and you’re going to make mistakes, so it has shown me the importance of resilience.

Dream dinner: Powerful women dine on soul food

If you could have dinner with any four people in the history of the world, who would they be?

I'm going to choose Asjia O’Neal, Michelle Obama, Beyoncé and (Pakistani female education activist) Malala Yousafzai.

Why did you pick Malala?

I would pick Malala Yousafzai because when we learned about her in school, I thought it would be interesting to hear how she had so much courage to speak out after being targeted for standing up against injustice. As a strong advocate for girls' education and women's rights, her story of bravery and resilience is incredibly inspiring.

What would you want the meal to be? 

I would choose soul food because it features such rich flavors and has a deep cultural history. Dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, and mac and cheese evoke memories of family gatherings and comfort. Plus, it would be a great opportunity to introduce her to new foods she hasn’t tried before.

Other Austin-area volleyball players we've interviewed

Hyde Park S Mackenzie Frierson, Bowie S Jazzlyn Hepburn, Rouse OH Jade Key, Crockett OH Sadie Peyton, Dripping Springs MB Eloise Roffers, Rouse LIB Mary Schirpik, Lake Travis OH Layla Todd and Liberty Hill OH Annie Witt, Johnson S Brooklyn Myers