Versatile Sophomore Clara Lyons Embraces New Roles on Softball Field

Sophomore Clara Lyons of Geneva High School has embraced a new role in the softball team following a position change suggestion from Vikings’ first-year coach, Kaleigh O’Brien, before the season started. Clara, originally a catcher, was asked to try playing shortstop, despite never having played there before.

“Coach asked if I’d ever played shortstop before and when I said no, she asked if I wanted to try,” Clara explained. “I was grateful for the opportunity to try. It’s a very difficult position to play.”

Clara acknowledges the challenges of adjusting to shortstop, but she welcomes the opportunity to learn and grow. “Props to the people that can play shortstop,” she remarked. “I make a lot of mistakes and I’m trying my best.

Coach O’Brien supports Clara’s transition and isn’t overly concerned about any defensive mistakes. She highlighted Clara’s resilience and skill in adapting to new situations. “The ball finds you wherever you’re at when you’re new there,” O’Brien observed, recalling her own experiences in college softball. “She has the ability to just bounce back and refocus on what she needs to do.”

Clara is no stranger to challenges. Last year, she tried her hand at another sport, flag football, where her strong arm as a quarterback played a pivotal role in the team’s 9-7 record. O’Brien was familiar with Clara’s adaptability since she had coached the club team the previous year.

This past season, Geneva’s shortstop position was up for grabs. O’Brien noted, “Clara was one of those kids that we realized, if there’s something we want, she’s like, ‘Yeah, anytime.’ Clara was willing to give it a go, and her willingness to try has been comforting.”

As a freshman on the varsity team, Clara flew under the radar. Last season’s varsity team had just seven wins, but Clara contributed significantly with a .453 batting average, alongside 15 home runs and 44 RBIs, all team highs. This season, as the Vikings prepared for the Class 3A Belvidere Regional, Clara continues to lead with a .446 average, 11 home runs, and 35 RBIs.

Clara’s journey in softball began at age 8 with the Dennison Silver Hawks travel organization, and her skills continue to develop. “I primarily caught last year but hurt my knee halfway through the season,” Clara said, detailing her experience playing various positions, including first base, second, and outfield.

On the offensive front, Clara faces varied pitching strategies that have tested her adaptability. “Sometimes, teams pitch me differently, but we have great pitchers in the DuKane Conference,” she said.

Coach O’Brien isn’t shocked by either adjustments from pitchers or by Clara’s performances. “We knew she was something special coming in,” she said. “Other teams are realizing she’s a big threat and trying not to give her anything to hit. Clara is learning that a walk can be as effective as a hit in some situations.”