Ila

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

Ila loves the excitement, competition, and being part of a team, but most of all, she loves the friendships and memories she makes on the field. Softball gives her a place to work hard, challenge herself, encourage her teammates, and grow in confidence. She loves celebrating the big moments together, learning from the hard ones, and having the opportunity to use the game she loves to be a light for Jesus.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

Ila is most inspired by her family and the people who consistently show up for her, encourage her, and believe in her. They’ve taught her to work hard, stay humble, put God first, and never give up when things get tough. Knowing she has people in her corner cheering her on inspires her to give her best, both on and off the field.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

One of my proudest moments wasn’t a big hit or a great play—it was when Ila had the courage to stand up and ask to lead her team in prayer, and continues doing it throughout. Seeing her confidently put God first, encourage her teammates, and use softball as an opportunity to be a light for Jesus showed me that who she is becoming matters even more than the athlete she is becoming.