On the edge of the court, eyes tracking the ball as the players demonstrated the drill, 11-year-old Lilly Waldrop focused on the 2019 Jasper High School volleyball state champions.
Lilly stood in awe of the hometown players hosting the volleyball camp. The Jasper team, fresh off a repeat state championship, seemed to her unstoppable—both in volleyball and in life.
“They were confident in themselves,” Lilly says. “They knew what they were doing, and they seemed successful. I thought, ‘I want to be like that too.’”
After that camp, Lilly set her mind on becoming an all-around athlete—a force on and off the court. She started with volleyball, then followed in her father’s footsteps and added track to her schedule. Five years later, the Jasper High junior has found success in volleyball, track, academics, and life, setting high goals for herself and keeping God as her main priority.
In 2023, Lilly won second place at state in the 4×400-meter relay. The following year, the same relay crew claimed third place.
While balancing her role as an outside hitter in volleyball and competing in the 200 meters, 400 meters, 4×400 relay and high jump in track, Lilly maintains a 4.7 GPA and aspires to attend Auburn University. Her mother, Rachel Waldrop, is currently studying nursing—an example that has inspired Lilly to pursue the same career path.
Her athletic success has been filled with thrilling highs and a few hard lows, including battling knee injuries throughout her career. During a volleyball game this past season, Lilly jumped and landed awkwardly. The cartilage in her knee became inflamed, leading to six weeks of physical therapy and rehab. She shared that coming back from the injury was challenging, but she put in the work to return healthy, strong and ready to compete.
“After getting cleared, I did my rehab. I did what I was supposed to do. I practiced,” Lilly says. “At each practice, I made sure that I was seen on the court.”
Through injuries and recovery, Lilly has proven to be resilient. She overcomes obstacles and continues to find ways to prevail, entering the court with a fighting spirit.
If 11-year-old Lilly could see the confident and kind young woman she has become, she would be impressed. Today, Lilly embodies the same traits that once inspired her. Now, she inspires the next generation of Jasper athletes. TG
A special thanks to our sponsor, Carbon Hill Coca-Cola Bottling Company!
Photos by Al Blanton
