Clara Lyons Embraces Challenge with Position Switch at Geneva

Clara Lyons, a sophomore with a knack for playing, has taken on a new challenge at Geneva. When Kaleigh O’Brien, the Vikings’ first-year softball coach, suggested a position change, Lyons was ready. Despite never having played shortstop, she welcomed the opportunity.Coach asked if I’d ever played shortstop before, and when I said no, she asked if I wanted to try, Lyons shared. I was grateful for the opportunity. It’s so different than anything I’ve ever played. It’s a very difficult position to play.

Lyons, primarily a catcher, acknowledges the difficulty of her new role. Props to the people that can play shortstop, she said. I make a lot of mistakes and I’m trying my best. As I continue, I’m getting a little more comfortable.

Coach O’Brien, a former All-American at Wisconsin-Whitewater, isn’t concerned about Lyons’ errors. The ball finds you wherever you’re at when you’re new there, said O’Brien. She has the ability to bounce back and refocus.

Lyons thrives on challenges. O’Brien saw this when she coached Geneva’s first girls’ flag football team. Lyons, with a strong arm, played quarterback, leading the team to a 9-7 record.

In softball, Geneva’s shortstop position was open. O’Brien said, Clara was one of those kids that we realized, if there’s something we want, she’s like, ‘Yeah, anytime.’ Lyons embraced the unfamiliar role, adding a sense of comfort to the team.

Last year, Lyons debuted as a freshman on varsity, batting .453 with 15 home runs and 44 RBIs as Geneva won only seven games. This year, Geneva (9-19) is preparing for the Class 3A Belvidere Regional, facing Freeport on Wednesday.

Lyons, active in the Dennison Silver Hawks travel organization, leads the team with a .446 average, 11 home runs, and 35 RBIs. I primarily caught last year but hurt my knee halfway through, Lyons noted. Then I played first base, second and outfield.

Her walks and strikeouts have risen. Sometimes, teams pitch me a little differently, Lyons said. We have some great pitchers in the DuKane Conference. Sometimes it’s just props to the pitch.

O’Brien expected adjustments from both pitchers and Lyons. We knew she was special, said O’Brien. We saw her in summer camps and knew she could hit. She surpassed our expectations. Other teams see her as a big threat and try not to give her anything to hit. If they pitch to her, she’ll try to hit it 400 feet, but she’s learning a walk is as good as a hit.