“There are so many more aspects to the game than statistics,” Jenna Lilley, our outstanding senior blogger, explains. “So much of this game is mental and has to do with attitude on the field and in the offseason. You’re either getting better or you’re getting worse.”

Jenna is an infielder for Hoover High in North Canton, Ohio—rated by StudentSportsSoftball.com as the preseason No. 5 team in the nation—and herself is ranked as the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2014. 

The Buckeye State star has helped the Vikings win three straight state championships including last year’s team that went 32-0.  The lefty hit .697 as a junior and was named the Ohio State Player of the Year and a MaxPreps All-American.

She has committed to the Univ. of Oregon and is also excellent in the classroom with a 3.9 GPA.

In this blog, she covers what she feels are the differentiating factors that have led to Hoover High winning seven titles in the last 16 years.

Click here to read Jenna’s earlier blogs and those from our other standout players!

Learn more about Jenna and her athletic family in this piece by her mother, Debbie, called A parent’s perspective: softball sacrifice

See our video interview of mother and daughter shot this summer at PGF

 

***

 “Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character” – John Wooden

That is a quote that immediately comes to my mind when I think of my high school team, North Canton Hoover.

The past three years we have been fortunate enough to end our season with a win, which only one team in each Division can say so after the season. Hoover has won three Ohio Div. 1 State Championships the last three years including going 34-0 last year.  Overall, Hoover has seven state titles since 1998.

It does take talent to get to the top and Hoover has had that over the years. But so have other teams.

I think in order to win and repeat that there’s more than just talent involved. There is heart and always having that “chip on your shoulder” attitude. Those are assets to winning that talent can’t replace. You can’t replace a team bond or teammates playing their heart out on the field.

But I believe the most irreplaceable asset is that hardworking attitude of staying hungry.

The desire to win is a must-have for any team trying to get to the top or stay at the top. You have to want it more than anyone mentally and showing it physically on the field because, remember, any one can beat anyone on any given day.

Try and just go play every game the exact same way. It doesn’t matter if it’s a non-league game or the playoffs, play the same because you should aspire to give 100% no matter who the opponent is—you play YOUR game!

I also believe that in order to repeat success, you always have to stay hungry. As a player I am never truly satisfied, I am always looking to improve to be the best student-athlete and teammate I can be.

I think a great team always has the mindset of looking to improve in every aspect within its control—things like team chemistry, communication and togetherness.

This game is so much more than hitting, pitching and defense. Those three things alone will carry a team very far. But there is something that distinguishes the teams that stay at the top every game and every year and those that fall.

There are so many more aspects to the game than statistics. So much of this game is mental and has to do with attitude on the field and in the offseason. You’re either getting better or you’re getting worse.

I really love high school softball. I love the concept of playing for your community because you are playing for a meaningful city across your chest.  And it’s pretty cool to have support from your school and community. I am excited to get back out on the field for the 2014 season. Hopefully, the snow and subzero temperatures will go away quickly here in Ohio!

As always,

Jenna