North Cook News

For sophomore softball infielder Lily Novak, the decision to attend Northwestern University was an easy one. 

"I have wanted to attend Northwestern since I was four years old because, at that age, I liked purple," Novak recently told North Cook News. "Growing up so close to campus, I attended many sporting events and fairs. When I started playing softball in third grade, I began going to softball camps and enjoyed working with the players and coaches. As I got older, I began to really appreciate the balance of both competitive athletics and academics."

Novak took to softball at a very young age, starting travel ball at eight years old. While at first she saw it just as a way to make friends and have something to do on weekends, her passion for the game was inspired during a trip to nationals with her 12U team.

"Seeing teams from all around the country coming to play softball in Normal, Illinois, showed a level of commitment I had never seen before," Novak said. "It helped me realize my potential and I had a goal to work toward."

That passion translated into a very successful high school career for Novak at New Trier High School, where she played with her current Northwestern teammate, junior outfielder Abbey Boyd. She compiled a batting average of .425 at New Trier, leading the team to conference and regional championships each year from 2012-14 and helping the team go undefeated in league play during that stretch. She was also named Central Suburban League South All-Conference and 22nd Century Media All-Area first team in 2013 and 2014.

Novak almost didn't see the field in her first season at Northwestern, however, mainly sitting on the bench and learning about the college game while providing depth.

One extraordinary game allowed her to see the field, though. On Feb. 12, Northwestern beat Virginia 22-4, mainly due to a school-record 14-run fifth inning. This gave coach Kate Drohan the chance to get some of her young players into the game. Novak entered the game as a pinch runner, came around to score, and even had her spot in the order come back up, recording an at-bat. Novak said that while getting into the game was a great experience, she had already mentally adjusted to the lack of playing time.

"Freshman year requires many adjustments, but with the training we did all year, there was plenty of time to make the mental changes necessary," she said. "Physically, training with the team all year, combined with all the years I have been on a softball field, I was able to keep a good level of confidence. With that being said, it was a really cool experience and a great reward for all the work we put in."

Now, with a year of experience under her belt, Novak should have an expanded role on the team. But while many athletes would be looking forward to increased playing time, Novak said she's more excited about chances to be a team leader.

"We will have a slightly smaller team than last year, which should be good for team chemistry," Novak said. "It will be great to help the freshmen get adjusted and welcome them as members of our family. I want to be someone that my teammates can come to if they need anything, along with pushing everyone to get better throughout the year."