Clara Lyons: Embracing Change
Clara Lyons, a sophomore at Geneva, has demonstrated remarkable adaptability on the softball field. Her versatility was put to the test when Kaleigh O’Brien, Geneva’s first-year softball coach, suggested a shift in her position from catcher to shortstop before the season commenced.
Lyons, whose primary role is behind the plate, accepted the challenge. “Coach asked if I’d ever played shortstop before, and when I said no, she asked if I wanted to try,” Lyons explained. “I was like, ‘Sure.’ It’s so different than anything I’ve ever played. It’s a very difficult position to play.”
Playing shortstop is indeed demanding, and Lyons acknowledges this. Lyons remarked, “Props to the people that can play shortstop. I make a lot of mistakes and I’m trying my best. As I continue, I’m getting a little more comfortable.”
Coach’s Faith in Lyons
O’Brien, a former All-American at first base for Wisconsin-Whitewater, has confidence in Lyons’ resilience. Having switched positions herself due to a knee injury, she understands the difficulties. “The ball finds you wherever you’re at when you’re new there,” O’Brien said. “She has the ability to just bounce back and refocus on what she needs to do.”
A Willingness to Learn
Lyons’ readiness to tackle new challenges is evident. This willingness was apparent when she tried her hand at quarterback for Geneva’s inaugural girls flag football team. “She was our quarterback this year with a cannon,” O’Brien commented, referring to Lyons’ impressive arm strength. Her prowess helped the Vikings achieve a record of 9-7.
With O’Brien as the varsity assistant and Meg Cohrs joining as her assistant, Geneva saw potential for Lyons in the shortstop role. “Clara was one of those kids that we realized, if there’s something we want, she’s like, ‘Yeah, anytime,’” said O’Brien. “Her willingness to try something new has been pretty comforting.”
Lyons’ Freshman Year
In her freshman year, Lyons was part of a team that won seven games. Despite the team’s record of 21 wins over five years, Lyons managed to fly under the radar with impressive stats of batting .453, 15 home runs, and 44 RBIs.
Geneva’s Prospects
This year, Geneva (9-19) faces the Class 3A Belvidere Regional. Lyons continues to lead offensively, hitting .446 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs. Her performance remains vital to the team.
Challenges and Adjustments
Lyons has been playing with the Dennison Silver Hawks travel organization since she was eight. She noted her knee injury last season led her to try first base and other positions. Her walks and strikeouts have increased this season.
“Sometimes, teams pitch me differently but we have some really great pitchers in the DuKane Conference,” Lyons observed. “Sometimes it’s just props to the pitch, say, ‘You had a great pitcher there and I missed it.’”
Coach’s Expectations
O’Brien recognized Lyons’ potential early on. “We knew she was something special coming in,” O’Brien said. Lyons’ capability of hitting the ball was noted during summer camps. As pitchers become aware of her striking ability, Lyons is also learning to value strategic walks.
“Other teams are realizing she’s a big threat and trying not to give her anything to hit. If they throw to her, she’s gonna try to hit it 400 feet, but in some situations, she’s learning a walk is as good as a hit.”
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