Lila Young, a freshman at James Clemens High School, played as utility, catcher, in outfield and middle infield. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Even as a freshman without benefit of upperclassman experience, Lila Young has proven herself as a valuable member of the varsity softball team at James Clemens High School.

“She has stepped in and impacted our team as a freshman. Lila is a regular starter and has been very productive at the plate,” Head Softball Coach A.J. Daugherty said.

Young’s batting average was .410 and on-base percentage ranked at .448. She compiled 15 runs batted in (RBI) and scored 21 runs.

“I love softball because it is a team sport, and you get to use so many mental and physical skills with it,” Young said. She is also a member of the Sparks Elite travel softball organization.

Her parents are Marshall and Julianna Young. He works as an engineer on Redstone Arsenal. Her mother works at a mother’s morning out program and is an interior designer. Lila’s sister, Emma Young, is a seventh-grader at Liberty Middle School.

Q & A

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Orange chicken.

Q: What restaurants do you like?

A: Lila is really fond of Hibachi Express, I Love Sushi and Firehouse Subs.

Q: What is your favorite sports team?

A: “My favorite college team is Auburn University, but I also love the Panthers,” she said.

Q: What is your favorite sports memory?

A: “Playing in the state championship against the Alabama Twisters when we beat them two out of three games. It was so exciting for my team. We had worked so hard to get there,” Lila said.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: “I love going to eat with friends or just spending time with them,” she said.

Q: What are your plans after high school?

A: “I’ve always wanted to go to Auburn, but I would like to go to the University of Alabama at Birmingham to become a orthodontist and major in either chemistry or biology,” Lila said.