At age 5, Lily Storey began playing soccer and describes the sport as monumental in her life. Later, she played for Tullahoma Middle School for three years and for the Action Elite Soccer Club for two years. At Tullahoma High School (THS), she played all four years and was the captain of the Ladycats, where she was recognized as the All-District Player.
Hoping to remain in good physical shape to up her game on the soccer field, Storey joined the track team in her sophomore year. Rapidly progressing to be the runner to beat on the track, she advanced and competed in the 800-meter at the state competition. She placed first in the entire D1 AA Division during her junior year. Storey added cross-country to her list of extra-curricular activities during her senior year, sprinting to one of the top 25 in the district after placing first at the sectionals and snagging another spot in the state competition last May. She set a record for THS in the 800-meter, finishing in just two minutes and 18.55 seconds. After competing for only one year at the high school level, Storey signed a contract with the women’s track and field team at the University of Louisville.
Storey said her mother, Amy Storey, encourages her to always do her best, and through the years, a slew of coaches in Tullahoma have also invested in her. “One quote that coach Clemens told me before every race is, ‘Go do what Lily does best!’ What he meant by this is to just go out there — just run free — run for fun with no expectations on your shoulders.”
I often hear the saying, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” Lily wholeheartedly believes that learning to be a team player has helped in other areas throughout her life. “There are many lessons sports have taught me that will carry over into my career. Trying my best is the major thing. I push myself every day and will continue to do so in the future. I always found it fun to create bonds with many different people on my team. Getting to know everyone is how a team succeeds.
Because the team chemistry just clicks.”
Of course, being part of a team doesn’t mean you won’t face problems, but when difficulties arise, Lily said, “Always keep a positive attitude. This can help you in the long run. The energy amongst people really plays into effect. If everyone is having a good day and is happy to be at practice, you know it’s going to be a great day. Playing sports is exciting to me because it gives me an escape from reality. If you have a stressful day at school or just a bad day, going to practice for your sport takes all the loaded pressure off of your shoulders.”
When asked how she would encourage others to work toward their own goals, Lily said, “I would tell others to be their best — to be their true selves. I feel like in society nowadays, people try to fake who they are. They are wrapped up in what others think about them. If someone makes fun of you for trying, so what? Keep trying. Keep pushing. Keep being you. Being a good person will take you far in so many ways: athletically, socially, etc. To reach your goals and highest potential, remember that practice makes perfect. You can have a bad day at practice, but it is just practice. That’s where you fix your flaws.”
Lily goes on to say, “Never underestimate yourself. Always believe you can. It can be hard sometimes to achieve the big goals and dreams you have, but if you take it one step at a time and accomplish little goals, the big goals will seem limitless. I would tell anyone considering getting into a sports program to just try it. If it doesn’t work out, then you know it’s not what’s best for you, so try something else. Just keep the philosophy; always believe you can. Always try to give your best effort every day. No matter if it was your true best effort ever, it was your best for that particular day. One day, I was so disappointed in myself, but it was my best effort for that day. I could try again the next day. So be kind to yourself. Be genuine. Be the best version of yourself. Always believe you can. Take risks that will push you to be better. Take every opportunity that is given to you. The sky’s the limit.” GN
