Local Michigan commit making her dream come true

SHARPSVILLE, Pa. (WKBN) – Ever since announcing her commitment to the University of Michigan , a program that’s made the Women’s College World Series 12 times, Sharpsville junior Lily Palko has only kept improving.

“I know what I can do, I know what I’m capable of and the standards that I can hit,” Sharpsville junior Lily Palko said.

It’s hard to believe, but Palko has upped her impressive stats from her sophomore season.

“There is a lot of pressure when I wasn’t committed but I did like pressure and with it off now I can just play freely and like myself, like I’ve been doing, but to a better extent,” Palko said.

This year, she leads the Blue Devils in seven total offensive categories, highlighted by a nearly .600 batting average, nine long balls and 39 runs batted in.

“I’ve always tried to be a leader on the field, so I love that aspect of my game and if anyone looks up to me, I just try to lead by example and by my voice on the field,” Palko said.

And not just playing Division I softball, but dawning that Maze and Blue has always been a dream for Palko, one that started at a young age.

“It’s been my goal since I was like 9 and this Michigan thing came all back around and I think for a reason,” Palko said. “I set the goal high and I reached it and now I’m very excited to go play there.”

Now with the Big Ten champion Wolverines making a run to the NCAA Tournament, she gets a glimpse of her future.

“Just me watching them on TV, I’m just excited that it will be me one day,” Palko said.

But before dawning heading to the Big Ten, Palko will have more time to build on her .530 lifetime average and 20 career home runs.

“I know I’m not guaranteed anything when I’m going to Michigan, but I just want everyone to know that I’m going to work hard and you have to work for your position and work for your spot and just if I can get on the field,” Palko said. “Whatever position it doesn’t have to be shortstop, then I’m just going to do my role, do my part, just like I do in high school.”

The junior star and Sharpsville will now contend for another District 10 tournament title starting May 20 in the quarterfinal against Maplewood with a 1 p.m. first pitch scheduled in Hermitage.

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