Athlete Spotlight: Lily Brewer #51

SPORTS: Softball

Tell us your story. What life experiences have impacted your journey? What motivates you? What is your “why"?

I started playing softball when I was eight years old. I’ve always enjoyed the pressure and energy I feel on the mound, all the work put in, and the early mornings and late nights spent at the field. One of the many things that keeps me motivated when a lift, practice, or game gets hard is remembering the eight-year-old who looked up to the older girls, dreaming of playing at the next level like them. She is my “why.” That eight year old girl would be so proud of how far I’ve come, but she would also want me to keep pushing!

What role does your faith play in your life and in your sports career?

While I don’t identify with a specific religion, I strongly believe that my faith lays in who I am as a person. I believe in working to be best individual you can be for not only yourself, but for the ones around you. When holding yourself to a standard of accountability and discipline it helps prepare you for not just athletics but academics, leadership, family, and community.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? If so, which one and why?

Philippians 2:3-4: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves".

I think this verse is a great example of living a selfless life….the idea that we should live for each other rather than just ourselves. 

What accomplishment are you most proud of personally and athletically (name one of each)?

Personally: Learning how to work with different art materials/methods (2D and 3D) Athletically: Committing to Ohio State to play softball.

What do you feel sets you apart from your competition and what skills do you currently possess that are your biggest assets?

Skills that I feel like are my biggest assets are…my mound presence/energy I have on the field, my ability to adjust, and my riseball+changeup.

What skills are you most focused on improving?

The skills that I’m most focused on improving are…my mental approach and my leg/footwork throughout my pitch.

Tell us what a typical day or week is like for you:

A typical day for me looks like: waking up around 6:30 to grab coffee with friends before school, school from 8:15-3:35 where we have 4th block softball starting at around 2:10, practice varies from day to day in what we do/how long…usually consists of defensive/offensive work with a lift/conditioning to follow. Depending on what we did at practice that day I’ll usually stay after to throw a bullpen with a focus on either mechanics, speed, spin, etc. After my bullpen I’ll go home and eat dinner, completing homework or catching up with some friends/family to follow, then go to bed around 10-10:30.

What are your plans for the future and what is your number one objective for the next year / season?

I plan to play softball at Ohio State in 2027. Until then, my number one objective is to continue to push myself to be the best I can be.

What is the biggest challenge you see in achieving your upcoming goal or where could you use help?

My biggest area of improvement I’ll need to help myself grow is to strengthen my mental side of the game.

What words of advice do you have for younger athletes that are up and coming?

Make as many memories as you can with those around you and be able to find happiness through their successes.

Who was your favorite player growing up or who's style of play do you most admire?

I admire Jordy Bahl. She shows so much resilience and leadership on the mound. I love the way that she leads her team.

What one question would you have for your favorite athlete if they were sitting here now?

If you had to do it all over again, what would you have done differently?

Is there anything else you would like to share with the community?

Nope! :)