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Honoring the Legacy of Delilah Lincoln
A tribute to honor the legacy of a special athlete. In a heartbreaking turn of events, the world of fastpitch softball lost a shining star on October 29, 2023. Delilah Starr Lincoln, a talented player known for her exceptional skills and unwavering spirit, tragically passed away due to complications following an asthma attack after a routine root canal procedure. Her departure has left a void in the hearts of many, but her legacy of finesse, bravery, and resilience will forever be remembered.
Delilah: A Friend to Many
One of Delilah’s former teammates, Lilliana Lynch, opened up about the profound impact Delilah had on the lives of everyone who knew her. Lynch explained that Delilah had many close friends spanning back to when she was in little league. Delilah was loved by her family, peers, classmates, friends in her neighborhood, and of course her teammates.
Lynch was touched by Delilah’s grandfather, Nelson Segarra, who encouraged Delilah’s team to play in her honor. With a desire to recognize her friend, Lynch shared:
“I made stickers for us to wear on our helmets in her memory. As the season approaches, I would love to honor her. What was so great about Delilah is that she was such a role model and touched so many people including myself and our softball community.”
Coach Castagna: A Special Bond
Delilah’s coach, Francesca Castagna, worked with her for three years. She coached her travel ball team, Hounds, as well as Delilah’s high school team, De La Salle Institute. Coach Castagna and Delilah shared a special bond, especially due to all the time they spent together.
“Her jokes would have you crying laughing, her smile lit up any room she walked into and her presence made you feel safe. Delilah was a one of a kind, destined for greatness, type of athlete. She just purely loved the game so much and it loved her right back. Her future was so bright and she without a doubt would’ve made a difference wherever her journey took her. The softball diamond will never be the same, but her legacy will forever live on because everything we do, we do it for her.”
Team Love & Legacy
Since Delilah’s passing, her coaches and teammates continue to honor their beloved teammate. Here are just a few ways they demonstrate their continual support:
- The team wears purple in honor of Delilah’s favorite color
- The team refers to Delilah as D1 and created an angel logo representing her. The logo was then printed on the sleeves of their team jerseys.
- Added D1 helmet stickers.
- Use the hashtag #WP4D (We Play 4 D) on all team social media posts.
- Use purple ribbons on shoe laces.
- Wear arm bands that were made with Delilah’s last name and jersey number.
- Hang Delilah’s jersey in the dugout during every game.
- Highlighted Delilah in a video recap with photos.
- Painted a mural on the wall of the Hounds Facility in Delilah’s memory.
- Team slogan: Playing for something bigger than ourselves!
Through Her Grandfather’s Eyes
Delilah’s grandfather, Nelson Segarra, also provided a touching glimpse into the life of his beloved granddaughter. He shared that Delilah lived with him since she was a newborn.
“She never once disrespected me, my wife, or her mother. She truly was a good young lady who was on her way to do great things and I’ll never get the answer as to why this happened.”
Recounting fond memories of Delilah’s early days and her evolution into a talented athlete, Segarra shared that Delilah’s passion for softball was ignited at a young age, as she eagerly absorbed the game while watching her uncle play rec ball.
Initially starting out at first base before transitioning into the position of catcher. Despite her petite stature and initial timidity, the sport served as a catalyst for her transformation, allowing her to blossom into a confident and influential presence on the field. Described as a natural leader, Segarra shared,
“Delilah’s positive attitude was the same, regardless if her team won or lost. She used to say, “ that one got away but we’ll get them next time.”
While she may have been uncomfortable with the spotlight, her actions spoke volumes as she led by example, pushing herself and her fellow players to strive for excellence.
Segarra believes Delilah would have had a bright future in softball. He told us that she was recruited to play at De La Salle High School in Chicago but sadly, her time was cut short.
“I was looking forward to taking road trips and looking at campuses for her next level but sadly I won’t have that.”
The day before the wake, Delilah’s mother, Kayla Stacy, wanted a balloon release in the neighborhood park where Delilah used to play rec ball. One of the parents of the softball team notified the local news.
Two stations showed up that night to pay their respects. Fox news dedicated a segment to Delilah and her loved ones in the evening report. See more HERE.
Segarra expressed the love and outreach they received within their community.
“During her wake my family and I were overwhelmed by the amount of people that came to pay their respects to our little girl. I used to tell her she was going to be famous. I just didn’t want it to be that way. When I drive by diamonds I’ll often cry because that is what I looked forward to, especially since I am retiring at the end of this year and we had many plans for her future.”
A Lasting Gift and Legacy of Love
In a final act of kindness and compassion, Delilah’s legacy lives on through the gift of life she gave to others. Her organs were donated to save the lives of four individuals, a testament to her selflessness and the depth of her caring heart.
Through this incredible act, Delilah continues to make a difference in the world, bringing hope and healing to those in need. Is it any wonder why Delilah’s middle name is ‘Starr’? – so fitting for the lasting impression she has left on all who knew her, and even those who did not.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Delilah’s family, friends, teammates, and the entire fastpitch softball community as we come together to honor Delilah’s memory. May her spirit continue to inspire us all as we remember the beautiful life of Delilah Starr Lincoln.
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