Western Boone Jr. - Sr. High School

Western Boone’s Lily Shirley has only been running track for two years, but has already made an impact within the Stars’ program. Now the senior sprint standout is going to have the opportunity to continue her academic and track careers at the next level. Shirley signed with Indiana Wesleyan on Friday. She had a signing ceremony at the school. “I am really excited,” Shirley said on Friday. “Indiana Wesleyan was really the only college I applied to. Once I stepped on campus and got to meet the coach, I just knew then and there this was a place that I needed to be. I’m super excited.” Indiana Wesleyan is an NAIA school located in Marion, Ind. The team is coached by Caleb Snyder and were ranked 11th in the country last year. Shirley said everything clicked with her and the school. “The campus overall is super beautiful and they have all sorts of nice things food wise and have a nutritionist for their team,” Shirley said. “The coach coaches a lot like coach (Nate) Birk and I really liked that. The fact that I get to connect with my faith with my school was really important to me, and I love how they did it there.” Shirley is a sprint special who can run the 100, 200 and 400 meter dashes. freestar She broke a 30-year-old school record in the 100-meters last year, finishing in 12.40. She was also part of the school record 4x400 team in 4:13.36. Shirley didn’t start running track until her sophomore year, and the coaches like how she still has room to grow as an athlete. “I wish I would have started sooner, and I think it would have benefited me more, but I am really proud of what I have accomplished so far,” Shirley said. Heading into her final season in high school, Shirley said she has already been working out some for the season, and will ramp it up in the next couple of weeks. And she has her eyes on a few more records to leave an even bigger legacy at Western Boone. “I really want to get the record in all four of my events,” Shirley said. “But this year, my main goal is to get the 200 school record and impress coach Snyder. When looking back at her time as a Star, Shirley said it was the relationships she made at Western Boone that she will remember the most. “I am going to remember this community, and how many people support you and give you kind words,” Shirley said. “All of the coaches and teachers are amazing.” Shirley hasn’t fully decided on a major, but is thinking something in the field of psychology. Will Willems is the Sports Editor of the Lebanon Reporter. Follow him on Twitter @Will_Willems.