Get to know Downingtown East softball catcher Lilly Waterer
EXTON, Pa. — At age 15, Lillian Waterer is already a stand-out softball catcher and utility player for PA Chaos 14U National and the Downingtown East High School Varsity Teams. Among her most recent earned accolades, Lilly was selected by Extra Inning Softball for several recognitions this year including National High School Player of the Week Runner Up, #94 player ranking, and #46 catcher ranking for the Class of 2025. As a freshman, Ches-Mont named her a pick for their 1st Team and she has been honored to be selected to the 2022 PA Softball 1st Team All-State.
Even with her accomplishments, Lilly, like many other high-performing athletes, acknowledges that the mental aspect of the game is a challenge. She strives to stay positive, keep a “short memory” when it comes to her mistakes, learn from them, and accepts struggling is part of the process. With guidance from her supportive coaches, Lilly has gained a healthy self-awareness, too. “The best advice I was given was to control the controllable. I can only control my attitude and my effort. There will always be bad calls and things we would do differently, but when I show up for my team, I know that I will be prepared, have a good attitude, and that I always give 110%”.
Being part of a team is among what Lilly likes best about softball. This past season, her varsity coaches at DEHS introduced her to the Mudita mindset that reinforces finding joy in your teammate’s success, something she plans to continue to practice. She recounts her favorite memories of winning the USSSA (2020) and the USA (2021) PA State Championships with her PA Chaos Team the past two years and beating rival, Downingtown West, this high school season.
Lilly graciously holds collective gratitude for the support from her parents, Kelly and Gordon, and sister, Evelyn. She recognizes their sacrifice, care, and volunteerism with her teams. She realizes her coaches have shaped her athletic career in softball. This includes Joe Spina, who she feels has organized PA Chaos with such dedication that it is one of the best youth softball programs. Lilly is appreciative to be a part of it.
Lilly does want to play collegiate softball but focuses on setting small achievable goals, her training, and not so much on comparing herself to others. She recognizes the stress that comes from being a student-athlete and no matter the circumstances, she encourages others to know it is okay to let a parent, teacher, coach, or friend know if they need help. Lilly celebrates her successes and continues to enjoy the strategy that goes along with the sport and being a leader on the team as a catcher. “I find I have the most success when I have fun with my teammates and confidence in myself.”
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