Star on the softball field

Cranebrook teenager Lily Warren is latest Junior Sports Star Award recipient

“I played for New South Wales last year in Canberra and it’s really exciting representing your state,” she said.

“Dad got me involved, one day he just enrolled me,” Lily said.

ACranebrook teenager will travel to Queensland in July to represent her state in softball at the U14 Regional Championships.

Lily Warren, who is also the latest recipient of the Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Junior Sports Star Award, said she can’t wait to play for the NSW U14 Metro Slammers team at the upcoming tournament, which gets underway on July 3 in Redcliffe.

“This year I’ll get to travel with the team, stay with the team and do everything as a team, so it’s a bit more exciting. We finished third last year, which is okay, but I think we’ll do better this year.”

The 14-year-old, who is currently in Year 9 at Hills Sports High, has been playing softball with the Penrith City Softball Association for the best part of nine years after her father Wayne, her sporting idol, signed her up.

“I play for my Dad’s club, the Outlaws, which is one of my favourite teams to play for because of all the friends I have made.

“Making friends is my favourite part about softball.

“I’ve had lots of fun, I’m good at it, I train hard, and I’ve just fallen in love with it.”

With her father also representing NSW at national level, it comes as no surprise that Lily has softball running through her veins.

While she previously gave soccer, touch football and athletics a go, none of them compared to the feeling she has while playing softball.

“I hope to keep representing NSW in the future and then hopefully play for Australia one day,” Lily said.

“In order to get there, I know I have to keep working and playing hard.”

Lily Warren’s Junior Sports Star Award is all thanks to sponsor St Marys Leagues Club.

If you or you know someone who has achieved in their chosen sport, send in your nomination to Penrith Valley Sports Foundation.

Nomination forms are available at www.pvsf.org.au.