Lilly Ward '19 Recruiting Profile

    Basketball has always been an important part of my life. I was born into a typical Indiana Hoosier basketball family; raised on the concept of hard work and athletics. As a basketball player, I’ve learned many things about the sport, but even more about life. I’ve always been afraid to shoot the ball too much in a basketball game; I’ve never wanted to be seen as selfish. However, at one of my recent games, my coach told me that he wanted me to shoot as much as possible. I expressed my fears of being seen as selfish, considering that my team’s motto for the past three years has been “Character, Toughness, and Unselfishness.” Yet, I did as my coach said and at half time I already had 18 points.

     By the end of the game I had 26 of our 53 points, the most I have ever scored in a game, and I had a new mindset. That game taught me that not taking a shot hurts my team’s ability to win; just like if I don’t take opportunities in life I can’t be successful. Basketball has taught me that you have to be willing to work hard for the things you want. In basketball your opponent isn’t going to take it easy on you just because you’re having a bad game; just like obstacles in life get in the way even when you’re down and already struggling.

    Having the hope to continue playing the sport that has impacted my life and has taught me so much is a dream that I am very passionate about.   If I can continue my basketball career then I think I will flourish and grow not only as a player, but also as a person.  If I can develop and grow as much as I have in high school, I cannot imagine the leaps and bounds I could make if I had the opportunity to play basketball in college.