On February 4, Lillian Trunnell signed her National Letter of Intent to continue playing softball at Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. She will be playing Division I softball and is entering the school as a member of the Class of 2030.
Trunnell has played as a catcher on the Linganore High School (LHS) varsity softball team for three years and currently plays travel softball for the 18u Gold National Maryland Heartbreakers.
Andrea Poffinberger, LHS varsity softball coach, describes Trunnell as “someone younger athletes look up to as they progress through the program.”
“She has been one of the most resilient, focused [and] hardworking athletes I’ve ever had the privilege of coaching,” Poffinberger said. “ She just takes charge of the game with cause and with voice … she got [to the point] where she could really just take over the game and calm the pitchers down.”
In addition to her proficiency as a catcher, Trunnell also bats a team-high .551 and holds an impressive .500 career batting average at Linganore. Her clear distinction from her teammates does not come without hard work and commitment.
“Lilly has excelled simply because she chases perfection every single day,” Poffinberger said. “This hard work has paved the way for her success behind the plate and in the batters’ box … she’s the kid that’ll run through a brick wall for you, and I’ll just miss her.”
Trunnell has heavy burdens on her shoulders as a catcher, but she does not let that stop her. Instead, she uses it as an opportunity to show off her skill and IQ behind the plate. That leadership and initiative has taken her far. Far enough for Division I coaches to eye her skills and abilities.
It was through one of her travel coaches, Trunnell found Gardner-Webb University. After visiting the college, she described the feeling she had at the camp as “when you know, you know.” She said she got “the gut feeling when you know it’s right.” This helped her make her decision on where to continue her athletic career at the collegiate level.
“I really, really liked it,” Trunnel said. “I really liked the location.” I liked that it’s a private university and that it has a Christian background. It was a lot of good energy, and the girls at the school on the team were really, really nice … I just had that feeling.”
While Trunnell felt an immediate connection to Gardner-Webb, Trunnell’s father, Richard Trunnell, said that her commitment to play at the collegiate level is no surprise. Beyond her production on the field, she authentically shows empathy and respect to her teammates, peers and teachers.
“[I am] so proud of her academics, the way she treats people, her energy and how she carries herself when she’s not playing softball,” Richard Trunnell said. “I had the privilege of coaching her at the beginning of her athletic career. Once I stopped coaching her, I watched her play for other teams and continue to grow to become the player she is today.”
Poffinberger shares that same pride in Trunnell as her father. Poffinberger said that Trunnell’s development over time, as both a student and as an athlete, has been apparent to the coaches that have guided her. Poffinberger also added that Trunnel’s leadership and mental strength behind the plate drives her team to compete at a high level.
“The Bulldogs got a special athlete in you, Lilly,” Poffinberger said. “Go do amazing things. I can’t wait to hear all about your accomplishments.”
