“Team chemistry has nothing to do with skill but has everything to do with success,” says Jenna Lilley, the outstanding infielder from Hoover High in North Canton, Ohio.

Jenna is rated by StudentSportsSoftball.com as the No. 1 recruit in the senior class as she’s a winner who has helped Hoover win three straight state championships including the 2013 squad 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. 

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

In this blog, she stresses that “You don’t have to be best friends with everyone, but above all, you must respect everyone, especially your teammates.”

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 sacrifices

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

 

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Team chemistry has nothing to do with skill but has everything to do with success.

This chemistry is JUST as important as team skill. A team could have the best nine at each spot, but not have the best nine out on the field together. It’s crucial that all nine must play as one. Individual skills are vital, but it is also vital to have TEAM chemistry in order for a program to reach its full potential.

I have been on many teams where we were definitely outmatched skill-wise player-for-player but we would still win. Why? We had great team chemistry.

For example, the 2011 Hoover and Beverly Bandits teams I was apart of were very talented skill wise, but what really made both of those teams SO good, was how well we got along. We were all so close and loved each other like family.

Of course, there were fights and drama, like any “family” has, but when it was time to get those 21 outs, you would’ve thought everything was going perfectly with all of us. We knew when it was “business time.”

You don’t have to be best friends with everyone, but above all, you must respect everyone, especially your teammates. It doesn’t matter if you like them or not, you have to respect your teammates.

Everyone can take part and be a leader in helping everyone come closer together. Little things outside of the actual game, like team bonding, really have helped the past years’ teams I’ve been a part of come closer.

Laughing and smiling, but still knowing when it is time to get down to business, is a great combination.

I am so fortunate to have been on the Bandits the last three years. Not only did I learn many softball skills, but I most importantly, learned what true team chemistry was. All of my teammates would have done anything for anyone and I think that has really showed on how well we play together.

I do give a lot of credit to my best friend, Erika, for ALWAYS being the leader in chemistry. She is always there for a good laugh and has brought so many people close together.

ENJOY the people who you play with. Teammates are unforgettable.

As always,

Jenna