Clara Lyons: Adapting and Excelling

Sophomore Clara Lyons is showing her versatility on the Geneva softball team. When Kaleigh O’Brien, the Vikings’ first-year softball coach, asked if Lyons would consider a position change, the young athlete saw an opportunity. ‘Coach asked if I’d ever played shortstop before, and when I said no, she asked if I wanted to try,’ said Lyons. ‘I was like, Sure. I was grateful for the opportunity to try. It’s a different challenge.’ Despite primarily being a catcher, Lyons welcomed the new challenge.

Shortstop is known for its demands, and Lyons acknowledges its difficulty. ‘Props to the people that can play shortstop,’ she remarked. ‘I make a lot of mistakes and I’m trying my best. As I continue, I’m getting a little more comfortable.’

O’Brien, with experience as a former All-American at Wisconsin-Whitewater, understands the adjustment. ‘The ball finds you wherever you’re at when you’re new there,’ O’Brien noted. She appreciates Lyons’ ability to bounce back from errors and focus.

Lyons thrives on new challenges. O’Brien, who also coached Geneva’s girls’ flag football team, recognized this adaptability. Geneva’s Lyons showcased her athletic skills as a quarterback on the flag football team, leading them to a 9-7 record.

O’Brien, formerly the varsity assistant, now leads the softball team. Together with assistant Meg Cohrs, they identified shortstop as an open position. Lyons demonstrated her willingness to step up. ‘Clara was one of those kids that we realized, if there’s something we want, she’s like, Yeah, anytime,’ stated O’Brien.

Last year, as a freshman, Lyons batted an impressive .453 with 15 home runs and 44 RBIs. Geneva, now at 9-19, looks to continue improving in the Class 3A Belvidere Regional. Lyons leads with a .446 average, 11 home runs, and 35 RBIs.

Having played for the Dennison Silver Hawks since age 8, Lyons has developed into a key player. ‘I primarily caught last year but hurt my knee,’ Lyons shared, mentioning her positional shifts to first base, second base, and outfield.

Despite challenges, Lyons’s performance remains strong. ‘Sometimes, teams are pitching me a little differently,’ she noted. O’Brien recognizes Lyons’s impact: ‘We knew she was something special. Other teams realize she’s a threat and try to avoid giving her easy pitches.’

Lyons continues to adapt, understanding that sometimes a walk holds as much value as a hit. Her growth on the field serves as an inspiration and a testament to her dedication and skill.