Today Lilly Ludeke signed her national letter of intent to play soccer for Stephen F. Austin State University where she will begin her pre-med journey, studying biology.
Lilly started playing soccer at age four, and her love for the game was evident from the beginning. By kindergarten, she already had her sights set on one day playing soccer for Reagan. Her teacher, Ms. Lopez, recognized that passion and nominated her for the Reagan Rattler Award. In 2015, Lilly stepped onto the field with the Reagan Girls Soccer Team for the first time as a future Rattler.
In late elementary school, she began her competitive journey in club soccer because of her talent and determined spirit. After several years playing with Classics Elite, Lilly was recruited to play with San Antonio City Football Club. “From the moment Lilly joined the team, she made an immediate and significant impact. Her ability to take defenders on 1v1, create opportunities for her teammates, and find the back of the net makes her such a dangerous attacking threat. She brings creativity, confidence, and a real spark to our team, and I’m so glad I was able to recruit her. She has been a fantastic addition to our program and she’s going to do great things at SFA!” Coach Beto Del Toro, SA City.
As a left footed, fast and fierce player, she has traditionally played the left wing. However, Coach Boss saw her potential and ability to be a more versatile player, placing her at left back where she successfully helped the Reagan Rattlers have a great season ending 20-3-2 overall, with 18 shutouts, earning her the honor of unanimous All District First Team Defender. “Lilly is a passionately intense player but you would never know it from her “poker face” on the field. From my first introduction to her all those years ago as a U10 player just starting out on her soccer journey to coaching her last season at Reagan as a junior I was so excited to see how much she had developed as a player and a person. She took on a new role as a player to help fill a hole needed to make our team so successful last year and did amazing for her team! I am looking forward to seeing all she will accomplish at the collegiate level!”
At Stephen F. Austin State University, Lilly will play under Head Coach Ashley Whittemore. Here is what Coach Whittemore had to say about Lilly, “Lilly is a fast, athletic, and hardworking player who brings tremendous versatility to the field. Her skill, determination, and competitive mindset will make her a great addition to our program. We are excited to welcome Lilly to SFA and look forward to the impact she will make as a Lumberjack!”
Lilly brings the same drive and determination to the classroom that she does to the field. She will graduate in December with Magna Cum Laude honors.
Congratulations Lilly, we could not be more proud! To keep up with Lilly on her journey, you can follow Stephen F. Austin State University Women’s Soccer @sfa_soccer.
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Photo courtesy of Focus Point Sports