Lillian Smith '21 Recruiting Profile

I’m a student at Oak Hills High School and I’m working towards going to college. I have spent time exploring careers and have a goal of becoming a chiropractor.  My family and extended family have many adults who work in health and wellness related fields, and the connection to helping people to achieve healthy and active lives is important to me. I believe my lifetime involvement in athletics has also influenced the value I place on well-being and ability for physical activity in this balance. I am interested in exploring different things that are offered in  classes, extracurricular activities, and in my free time. I am always up for a challenge.

Being a soccer player is a part of my identity. Growing as a soccer player has helped me develop as a person. I am tough, determined, and extremely hardworking. I am also very caring and humble.  I am dedicated and I believe in putting the work in. 

I love being challenged in soccer for so many reasons. One of the top reasons is because it is a sport that involves so much thinking and strategy. Soccer combines physical and mental strength. I like that in soccer you can be aggressive and tough and still show good sportsmanship. I find joy in being aggressive and confident in my ability. On the field, if I don’t like a play that has happened or an opponent has overpowered my team in some way, I feel driven to push myself and my team; I feel determined not to let it bring us down. I also love the challenge of the many different environments. Games are played in the sun and heat, at night under the lights, in rain, freezing cold snow, on turf, and indoors so there is always something to keep the game exciting.

 I will share an interesting thing about my relationship with soccer. I have noticed that before a game most players like to know and talk about the statistics, divisions, and skill level of their opponents. I don’t really want to know these things. All I want to think about is that when I’m on the field there is no need to be scared or reassured about the other team. Statistics and records don’t matter because in any situation the best I can do is play my hardest and work together with my team. I set my mind to be a leader, keep a positive attitude and use my skills from training against every opponent.

These characteristics don't only apply to training and playing soccer. It is who I am and the way I face challenges. I focus on the skills and attitude I have and try not to let others’ opinions or the weight of the obstacle get me off track. 

I know from soccer that training and practicing are key, and this is the same with school where skills are build by asking questions, studying, and participating.

I think this is something that will remain a part of me because it has become the way I face challenges. I focus on the skills and attitude I have and try not to let others’ opinions or the weight of the obstacle get me off track. I work hard at school as well and spend time "training" by asking questions, studying, and participating in the classroom. I am an honor student and have a reputation and being kind, respectful, and determined. I don't shy away from challenging classes or projects. I hope you have gotten a glimpse of who I am and how playing soccer has shaped me for success in whatever I decide to do.