By Derrick Smith

Role models can play an important role in the lives of students of all ages. This could be someone that has a successful career, is a great person, or in the case of Lilly Ritter, a successful athlete.

“Jenny Finch would have to be my biggest role model,” she said. “She is such a great person and a great pitcher. She always says such encouraging things, she inspired me to be the pitcher I am today. Another person that has impacted my life would be my teacher, Mr. Herron. He explains things so well and I am very comfortable talking with him. We talk about softball all of the time. He is hilarious and always makes me laugh.”

Ritter is a sophomore at Coyle Public Schools, where she is a multi-sport athlete. She plays fastpitch and slowpitch softball, basketball, and runs track for the Lady Bluejackets. She started out playing baseball for the first three years and has been playing softball for the past nine years. 

Becoming the athlete she is today has not been a simple task. Ritter, who can play pitcher, third, or first base on the softball field, says that she has worked hard to get to where she is. 

“It takes a lot of practice and hard work,” she said. “I spend a lot of time with my Dad in our shop working on my pitching and hitting.”

Throughout her career, Ritter has made a lot of great memories with her teammates, both on and off the field. But she says that there is one moment on the field that is her favorite. 

“My favorite softball memory is when my travel ball team placed third at Nationals,” Lilly said. “It was really great to see all of our hard work pay off and we all accomplished it together.”

Outside of sports, Ritter is also involved with Future Farmers of America, the Student Council, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.