Dana Riffel graduated from Loudonville High School in 1986, earned a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medicine from The University of Dayton in 1991, and earned her Masters in Nursing from Grand Canyon University in 2019. Her passion for sports plays an integral role in her life today. From a young age, Dana played softball in Loudonville’s summer leagues, including travel softball. She was a 4-year letter winner in volleyball, basketball, and softball at Loudonville High School; and a 4-year letter winner playing softball for the University of Dayton.

Volleyball: Dana attended LHS from 1983-1986. As a member of the volleyball team, Dana helped her team to a Class A State Semi-Finalist finish (1983) losing to Archbold and a Class AA Regional Finalist (1984) losing to Rocky River. Her Sophomore season, she was a perfect 17 for 17 in serving during the District Tournament game against Akron Hoban. In 1985, She was named to the District 4 All-Star Team as a setter and Loudonville Times Player of the Week on 9.9.85. Dana’s Senior year (1986), she helped her team earn District 4 Runner-Up losing to Akron Hoban. Dana finished her volleyball career leading the team with a 95% sets for Kills and 299 Serving Attempts. She was second on the team with total serving points, 88% Good Spiking Attempts, 85% Serve Reception, 21 Blocks, 18 Spiking Kills and was named Honorary Captain by her team.

Basketball: Dana excelled on the basketball court. As a Freshman point guard, she helped her team to a Class A Sectional Title and a school record District Runner-Up. Individually, she set several school records, including most assists per game (12) and most steals per game (13). Her Junior season (1984-85), Dana, broke her school record for most points scored in a single game (31). She was voted as team captain, led Ashland County in points scored in season (352), voted as most outstanding performer by her teammates, and was a member of the Ashland-Times Gazette Second Team. Dana ended the season averaging 17 points per game. In her senior year (1985-86), Dana lead Ashland County in points per game, steals per game, and most points in a season. She set school records for most points in a single game (41) and free throw percentage. She was Ashland Times Player of week 2 times, Loudonville Player of the Week, and was recognized by USA Today for scoring 41 points in a single game. Dana ended her season leading Ashland County with averaging 21.3 points per game; scoring 462 points in a season; and accumulating 64 steals. She was second at LHS to score over 1000 career points and finished the season with a school record of 1197 total points. This was all before the 3-point line was instituted in girls high school basketball. Dana was selected to the Ashland Times Gazette First Team and played in the Wilbur-Berkey Classic (1986).

Softball: As a Freshman, Dana played shortstop and catcher for the Redbirds. She led the team in stolen bases (20), RBIs (19), and home runs (2). She earned Mid-Ohio Conference Honorable Mention recognition (1983). Her Sophomore season (1984), Dana played catcher and led the team in RBIs (25), homeruns, and batting average. Her Junior year (1985), Dana helped her team earn a the Ashland Area Softball League Championship and a State Semi-Finalist honor losing to Zanesville-Mayesville. She led the team in batting average (.381) and was named Loudonville Player of the Week. Her Senior year (1986), Dana set many LHS career hitting records, including number of RBIs (96), runs scored (102), and stolen bases (67). Dana continued her softball career at the University of Dayton (1987-1990) where she earned many accolades. Her Freshman season, Dana was selected for the North Star Conference All-Star Team. The 1988 and 1989 seasons, Dana lead the team in stolen bases and fielding percentage. Her Senior year at Dayton (1990), Dana was voted Team Captain and led the team in RBIs and was selected to the Midwestern Collegiate Conference First Team.

Dana has been a Registered Nurse for 29 years and is currently a Nurse Educator at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, spending time with her family and two children, Donivan (age 26) and Mya (age 24) and attending Ohio State athletic events.

“Dana is honored to be selected as a member of the Ashland County Sports Hall of Fame. Her time in the sports arena has earned her a tremendous amount of recognition, but more importantly, it has created a lifetime of memories and friends. She cherished the time she spent with her teammates, and she is extremely grateful for the support given to her by her family, friends, and coaches. Dana is extremely proud and lucky to have been given the opportunity to play for Loudonville and the University of Dayton. “Thank you all for what you have done for me. I am truly grateful!”