D6 Athlete of the Week: Lilian Shindle, Northridge High School

"Lilian is a wonderful example to the younger kids in our program of what it means to be a student-athlete. Every year in her career, she has gotten better as a basketball player - from not playing as a freshman, to playing JV as a sophomore, last year playing both JV and Varsity, to this year as a senior being a Varsity starter. She is the type of person that you love to have in your program as a reference to others of not giving up, but instead working and getting better each year.

She is a great student involved in many things at our school and a multi-sport athlete. She shows up every day in a good mood and works hard, two qualities that put her in a small category. She is a great example of leading by action. Lilian is a huge reason why our season has been so successful. 

Lilian is a very unselfish player, and will do anything that is needed to help the team succeed." - Dan Beck, Basketball Coach

Student Name

Lilian Shindle

School

Northridge High School

Grade Level

Senior

Sports

Soccer and Basketball

Positions

Defender and Post

Stats

• 4 Soccer Goals
• 25 Basketball Points

"Lettering in soccer and basketball because I didn't have much experience before high school. Going to playoffs every year for both sports with my teams because we work together as a good team to win enough games to qualify."  

What are your goals for this season?

"Make it far in playoffs and be League Champs in soccer, and also commit to a college." 

Who are your role models in your sport or life, and how have they influenced you? 

"My role models are my parents because of their support through my life and the different sports  I have played. Also, my coach because of everything they have taught me, not just about the sport but the dedication and lifestyle of being an athlete mentally and physically."     

How do you manage the balance between academics and athletics? What strategies have been most effective for you? 

"To manage academics and athletics, I have had a lot of help from my teachers. My teachers are very flexible about my schedule and have always provided any outside help I have needed. Also, my friends who get me caught up if I miss class or practice. They help me with school work and training to help me get better. Communication is the most effective because sharing what I have going on helps the people around me be more understanding, that way they also know how to help."  

How do you handle pressure and maintain mental resilience during high-stakes competition?

"To handle pressure, I rely on my teammates for support. My teammates are what make sports so enjoyable. When the game turns into a more high-stake situation, it's better to just have fun playing together. Also, trusting what I have learned and working hard at giving my best. I focus on the little things such as first to the ball, win the next play, and being the first down the court or field." 

What are your career or college plans after you graduate high school? 

"I want to play JuCo soccer and major in psychology. Then transfer to a four-year college to play soccer at a higher level and continue to pre-clinical counseling." 

What advice do you have for younger athletes who want to join your sport?

"My advice to younger athletes is to work hard at the little things and be coachable. Be a leader, a respectable teammate and player, but always challenge yourself and the others around you. Respect the game and find the fun in playing. Enjoy being with your team and meet new people."  

Do you have any funny pre-game rituals or superstitions that you stick to?

"My pre-game rituals and superstitions are to have the same drink and hairstyle every game, if in the game prior I did really well. Also for a while, my team would line dance before games, and it was such a good way for us to have fun and relax before playing."     

If you were to participate in a talent show unrelated to your sport, what would your act be?

"I would braid hair."