By Payton Moody
VYPE: How did you overcome adversity during your time as a student athlete?
Liyah Dauman: Being a student athlete is hard, but it’s very do-able. I wasn’t afraid to ask for help from my teammates, coaches, or teachers, especially when it came to schoolwork. That really has helped me balance everything.
VYPE: What preparation or training measures did you take in order to be successful in your sports?
LD: Almost every day is dedicated to softball in some way, even after school is out. I try to hit or get some glove work done at least once a day. And if I’m not doing that I try to go to the gym.
VYPE: What do you plan to focus on after high school?
LD: After high school I plan on attending USAO for another four years of softball.
VYPE: What has your sport taught you that you use in your daily life?
LD: Softball has taught me to be so strong, not only physically but mentally. Being an athlete can be draining, and I’ll admit there were moments when I thought about quitting. But I’m so glad I didn’t. Most people see playing a sport as a hassle, especially after a long day of school. To me, softball is an escape from everything. I don’t worry about schoolwork or anything, I just relax and focus on having fun. I have softball to thank for so much in my life. For example, I met some of my best friends through softball. One of those friends is Adyson Custar, who also goes to Prague. We’ve been best friends since we were about 7.
VYPE: Why are you passionate about your sport?
LD: I can’t really explain why I’m so passionate about softball; it’s hard to explain. There’s always something to learn. You can always be better and as long as I’m able, I want to be the best softball player I can possibly be.
VYPE: Who inspires you and why?
LD: My inspiration is my Aunt Dailyn. I watched my ‘Dai Dai’ play and coach softball my whole life, and I always wanted to play for her. Ever since I was little, I wanted to be a great softball player, for myself and for her. My grandpa is another great inspiration for me; he taught me how to hit and how to put a glove on. Without him, I probably wouldn’t be playing right now. I’m so thankful for them, and my whole family supporting me my whole career.
VYPE: What has been your favorite memory in your sport?
LD: My favorite memory from softball is probably the state tournament my 8th grade year. We were going for a 3peat, and we did it! We all ran to dog-pile and I jumped over everyone! Missing the pile completely!
VYPE: What is the best advice anyone has given you?
LD: The best advice I’ve ever gotten is to just trust the process. You have to trust the hard work and preparation you put in and you will see the results.
