Hillard dominates the diamond

By Emmett Roman
Staff Reporter

Audrey Hillard #12 is an infielder for the softball team here at LCC. Her softball career journey began when her mom signed her up to play community league. When Audrey began attending Lakewood High School, she joined the softball team there.

Hillard started playing at LCC during the 2024-2025 season. She scored 50 hits and 25 runs playing in a total of 57 games. “College softball is more demanding physically and mentally than high school,” Hillard said. “There is a new depth to softball once you start playing at higher levels.”

One of Hillard’s favorite things about college softball is the coaches. “The coaches demand success. They push us to be our best in every possible situation,” Hillard explained. “I think being able to learn how they think and feel about the game has helped me demand more from myself on and off the field.”

Currently, Hillard is a sophomore and is studying general education with the plan to transfer to Central Michigan University in hopes of becoming a physician assistant. She is going into her second season on the LCC softball team. She is one of three sophomores on the team and is looking forward to setting an example for the freshmen on the team. “I think that the “leadership” role I was given came from the experience that I had being that I was one of few sophomores on the team.” Hillard said. “But I am hopeful that I am growing into the leader my coaches and teammates need me to be.”

To students who want to play softball in college, Hillard recommends to keep your grades up and be prepared for anything!