Chartiers Valley slugger Lily Duffill commits to No. 1 college choice, Penn State

By: Ted Sarneso
Sunday, October 27, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Chartiers Valley junior Lily Duffill always had the goal of playing Division I softball.

It’s an added bonus that she will get to do so at her No. 1 school.

The catcher announced earlier this month that she would be continuing her academic and athletic career at Penn State.

“They were my No. 1 choice,” said Duffill. “I loved the campus and the coaching staff. They’re very committed to making Penn State a great softball program.”

Duffill was so certain of her choice that she made only two trips to the campus, one on an official visit.

“I went up there for a camp in the summer, and then I went up for my official visit with my friend Autumn,” said Duffill.

She also visited four other schools: Indiana, Pitt, Louisville and Robert Morris.

On her visit to Penn State, Duffill took a tour of the campus, went to a football game and saw a softball team practice.

“It was a scrimmage when I visited, so it was high energy,” said Duffill. “I got to see how the coaches were during that time and how a practice was run.

“A lot of things being taken from just how the pitchers were pitching, like if they were hitting their spots and how consistent they were with their speed. The coaches were also going very in-depth each at-bat with every player. I loved the whole experience.”

Duffill is one of four Chartiers Valley softball players who have made commitments to play at the next level.

Delaney O’Connor committed to RMU, Taylor Walsh is going to Wheeling and Annabelle Helt committed to Pitt Johnstown.

“It’s amazing,” said Duffill. “I’m so happy for these other girls who have committed. I would love to see what they do in their college careers.”

This past season for the Colts, Duffill hit .527 with 39 hits, 25 runs scored, 52 RBIs, seven doubles, two triples and 17 home runs.

It was a huge jump from her freshman season, when she hit .471 with 33 hits, 35 RBIs, five doubles, six home runs and 10 runs scored.

She attributes her exponential improvements and the fact she was named first team all-section and all-state in her first two seasons at Chartiers Valley to her training regimen.

“I lift every Tuesday and Thursday and I go to hitting lessons twice a week and go through catching and fielding lessons during the week as well,” she said.

Duffill also plays for the Indiana Magic Gold 16U travel team.

Going into her junior year at Chartiers Valley, there is still a lot Duffill wants to accomplish before she heads off to Happy Valley.

“I want to win sections, and I want to make a run at WPIALs. We’ve come close every single year, but haven’t been able to pull it off,” she said.

Duffill will study history at Penn State and credits her freshman history teacher, Jen Heffley, for her love of the subject.

She also wants to end up coaching in softball at some point.

“That’s the goal,” she said.

Tags: Chartiers Valley