Female Athlete of the week: Lily Rath

Palisade Senior, Lily Rath, is the female Athlete of the Week brought to you by Palisade Dino Mart. Lily dives for Grand Junction High School. As some of you may or may not know, PHS does not have their own swim team, so Palisade students swim for GJHS. Lily has been going to PHS since her freshman year, and she has been diving for GJHS since her freshman year. Lily has been diving since 5th grade. When asked what got her started she said, “My grandpa took me to swim lessons and there were diving lessons.” Her grandpa did not swim or dive but she said “My grandpa wanted me to do something over the summers so he took me to swim lessons.” Lily said her favorite thing about the sport is “The team.” She added and said “The diving team is very small and there are only about five girls who do it. I really like to spend time with them.” Along with diving, Lily has some other favorite hobbies. She said “I have always loved to be outside and swim. I like to explore as well.” When asked what her greatest accomplishment is she said, “Lettering is what I am proudest about because it is kind of hard to letter in dive. I was super happy when I lettered in that.” Lily said that she lettered her sophomore year which is a big accomplishment. Inspiration is something that plays a big role in sports. Lily said that her biggest inspiration is her coach. She said “She is just my person. She has always been there to help me with whatever I need help with, including diving.” Lily was asked what she is going to miss about diving and she replied with “All of it.” Considering college, Lily said that she has thought about continuing diving in college. She added on by saying that she is not sure and that it all depends. Lily’s advice she would give to an incoming freshman athlete is “Be there. If you show up with a good attitude then you can do it.” Wish Lily luck as she finishes the last semester as a Palisade Bulldog strong.