For Cookeville Cavaliers softball outfielder Aspen Lyles, growth this season has come into focus one fly ball at a time.
Lyles said her biggest jump has been on the defensive side, where confidence and communication have transformed her presence in the outfield.
“I feel like you are like in charge of the field, so you like take control and you can call people off,” Lyles said. “You can go and get whatever you can and just have more like control out there.”
Lyles is now in her 12th year playing softball, a journey that began with tee-ball and her mother in her corner.
“She’s put a lot of time and effort into making sure that I can be the best I can possibly be,” Lyles said. “I’m really grateful for it.”
That foundation is starting to show. Along with improved reads and confidence tracking the ball, Lyles has quietly become one of Cookeville’s more productive bats. She ranks among the team’s top three in slugging percentage, RBIs, doubles and triples this season.
Still, stepping into a varsity environment came with its challenges. Lyles said she was nervous early on, but said the transition was made easier by a supportive locker room.
“I’ve gotten used to it because the seniors and the upperclassmen have helped a lot,” Lyles said. “Really been there, made me feel welcome. The coaches have made me feel welcome and I’m really appreciative of it.”
With improved defense, emerging offensive production and a deeper comfort level on the field, Lyles’ trajectory is trending upward, right along with the fly balls she now confidently tracks down.
