(FIRST IN A SERIES) LAKEVILLE - LaVille's Lily Smith has been selected the 2024 Dale E. Cox Female Athlete of the Year. Smith earned 11 varsity letters in four different sports - Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, and Track & Field. "Sports have always been a huge part of my life, I have grown up around it," explained Smith. "A lot of my friendships have been made through the sports I grew up playing. I really am grateful for having the abilities to be so involved in sports my whole life because it has shaped me into the person I am today. Sports, especially in high school, really helped me learn the balance and dedication it takes to be on sports teams and maintain being in the top ten. Which are qualities I will be able to use in my future endeavors." This is the 20th year of Dale E. Cox Athlete of the Year award. The annual award was started in 2005 in honor of the longtime educator, coach and athletic director. "It has meant so much to me to have the privilege to represent the LaVille name on the court and track," said Smith. "I have felt so lucky to be a part of such amazing teams led by wonderful coaches. I am extremely grateful and honored that I was selected to fill the Athlete of the Year role." Smith was not just into athletics. She was also active in National Honors Society, DECA, High School Heroes, Hoosier North Athletic Conference Leadership Committee, Art Club and Unified Basketball. "It is so special that I will have the opportunity to reflect back on all these wonderful memories I have made being a part of these amazing teams and activities," Smith said as she gazed away for a moment. "I can’t wait to get to tell the stories of all the memories I have made being a part of LaVille Athletics." Being a three-sport athlete means multiple opportunities to put on the Lancer uniform and represent not only yourself, but your team and your school. We asked the Purdue University-bound Lancer what advice she would give to the young members of Lancer Nation. "My advice to the athletes in the grades below me is to enjoy every part of the experience because it really does fly by," said Smith. "And before you know it you will be officially done putting on that Lancer jersey." Along the path of her four-year career in LaVille Athletics, there were several memories for Smith. We asked what came to mind. "Volleyball has always been one of my favorite sports to play and I really enjoyed our team and my coaches," noted Smith. "It was my first high school sport and I felt it really helped me adjust to the different competition levels from junior high to high school." As the fall transitioned to winter, Lily found herself returning to the court for basketball. "Some memorable memories I will always have with me from basketball are winning the 2023 Bi-County Championship and winning the Sectional my senior year," smiled Smith. "Both of these accomplishments were a huge step for our girls basketball program and I am so grateful that I got to be a part of them." As winter turned into spring, Smith continued her love of sports by participating outdoors. "Track season always flies by but I will never forget winning Conference my sophomore year and winning Lancer Relays my junior year. I only participated in softball my freshman year but I enjoyed my teammates and the leadership by the seniors!" Smith, who earned four letters in basketball, three letters in volleyball and track and field, along with a letter in softball, plans to dual major in Special Education and Elementary Education at Purdue University in the Fall of 2024. Then as Smith concluded the interview, she said, "I would like to thank all the Lancer fans who dedicated so much time and support into our athletic programs. I would also like to thank the coaches, refs, officials and parents who worked the books or score board. All of you played a role in the success of our athletic programs, so thank you!" Congratulations, Lily! *We continue the series tomorrow, as we recognize London Kwiatkowski as a recipient of the 2024 Dale E. Cox Female Athlete of the Year. Please check back!