ASHLAND, Va. — Discover how Patrick Henry’s Lyndsey Gilbert uses sports, music, and faith to build character, challenge her mind, and overcome obstacles. This quote from a coach inspired Lyndsey: “If you think you’re outclassed, you are. Think high to rise.” We’re inspired by your enthusiasm and desire to succeed, Lyndsey.

Q&A 

What are your personal goals within your sport/athletic dreams?

Lyndsey Gilbert: After my first practice, I decided that my goal was to make it through the season. However, as I continued to learn and condition, I quickly realized that I wanted to be a player that my teammates could trust on and off of the field. I wanted to be reliable. As the first season ended and the second season started, I had a new long-term goal to be captain.

What is your biggest challenge in your sport, and what do you do to manage this challenge?

Gilbert: My biggest challenge was conditioning. I will admit that I am not a natural runner. I never had to be in such good shape for a sport. We would practice for many hours in the summer heat. It was difficult for me to adjust to this, and I often considered giving up.

What was the best advice you were ever given?

Gilbert: One of my coaches taught the team this poem: “If you think you’re outclassed, you are. Think high to rise.” It taught me that being pessimistic will not help my chances of reaching my full potential or that of my team.

What do you love about your sport?

Gilbert: I love the whole body involvement. The sport requires strategy and specific movement. It was engaging for my mind but also intense for my muscles. It was nice to be in the moment. I also loved the family that was, and is, my team.

Do you have a pregame ritual you follow?

Gilbert: I was the team braider. Usually, I would get focused on a game by braiding my teammates’ hair and listening to either the Mamma Mia soundtrack or 2000’s pop music. I would also pray before the whistle blew while getting onto the field.

What do you like to do outside of your sport?

Gilbert: I enjoy spending as much time as I can with people. It is so fun to be around my friends and enjoy their energy. I also love to play with my dogs. I have three, and I love them so much. As a member of my church and show choir, I also enjoy singing.

What has being a member of a team taught you?

Gilbert: It has taught me to let myself realize my faults and accept when I am not perfect. It has taught me that growth is so much better than perfection. I have grown as a player and matured as a person through my teammates.

What is the best piece of advice you received from a coach or mentor?

Gilbert: It sounds cliche, but it is true. The best advice I have received is not to give up. Giving up on something achievable will only prove to set you back.

Describe a mistake you made while competing and how you overcame it.

Gilbert: I had to overcome my frustration. When I was playing, I sometimes let the other team or the referees get into my head, and I became angry.  This would cause me to play with more force and less skill, which was unsuccessful. I overcame this by reminding myself that I must play my game and use the skills I am good at to help my team to succeed.

A fan?

Follow your favorite teams

This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.