RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
Earlier this week we published an article about choosing a different path and highlighted several very successful softball players that took a different route. Today we are staying true to that theme and highlighting one unique individual who has not only competed at the highest in softball but can play ice hockey with the best of them! I fortunately have gotten to know a little bit about Joey Lye and we have worked together on things in the past. I took a moment to catch up with her and talk to her about the exciting things happening at EIS 2.0 and of course took the opportunity to talk about her journey!
EIS Q: Playing 2 sports in college is rare now. Why do you think that is? Do your regret playing 2 sports and maybe just concentrating on one sport and being able to play in college at a D-1 leveL?
“I allowed my heart to drive my college search. As a four sport athlete in high school, hockey and softball were my true loves and I was set on playing both in college in addition to getting a strong education. I clarified those priorities with any school that I visited and any coach that I conversed with; if it wasn’t a fit, it was crossed off my list. I fell in love with Williams College when I visited campus and am so grateful for the experience I had there. Even though society tells us Division III is “less than” and many coaches and adults throughout my high school years told me Division I was the only answer, I can proudly say that I made the absolute best choice for me. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Having a twelve year international career that concluded on top of the Olympic podium helping make history for Softball Canada was a dream come true. I honestly think that playing multiple sports allowed me to grow as an athlete, avoid burnout, be challenged in various ways, and champion both my mental game and the art of hard work. A specific division doesn’t create excellence, that comes from how intentional we are with our daily thoughts, actions, and support system.”
What I love about Joey’s responses is she understood the BIG PICTURE. She considered what she loves to do what she wanted for the rest of her life not just the 4 years in college.
Joey understood the need for women to be educated to open doors and help them achieve their dream in life. She worked hard in the classroom and was accepted to a top-ranked liberal arts school called Williams College. Williams is a small Division III institution located in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Where she was dual sport NCAA athlete and softball All-American – who led all of Division III her senior season with a .563 batting average – she also coached 19 competitive seasons in the NCAA (DI & III) before stepping away from her former career to train full-time for the delayed Tokyo Games.
Joey’s accomplishments are extensive any parent or coach looking for GREAT RESOURSES and INSTRUCTION needs to take a look at her website that gives all the details of her camps and having her be involved in several different aspects of teams and organizations. www.joey-lye.com
Joey is the Chief Empowerment Officer and Founder of Joey Lye OLY LLC. The company’s mission is to challenge mindset, share perspective, and inspire intentional growth.
As a TEDx speaker and Olympic bronze medalist, Joey travels the country sharing her leadership, championship culture, and mindset expertise. A dual sport NCAA athlete and softball All-American – who led all of Division III her senior season with a .563 batting average – she also coached 19 competitive seasons in the NCAA (DI & III) before stepping away from her former career to train full-time for the delayed Tokyo Games. That decision allowed Joey to compete in the inaugural season of Athletes Unlimited in 2020 before returning as a facilitator for season two.
In Tokyo, Joey appeared in four games for the Canadian squad and started at shortstop versus Italy going 2-for-2 with a triple and two runs scored. She helped lead Canada to a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which marked the first Olympic softball medal in Canada’s history. Retiring after the Games, Joey now serves on staff with the National Team.
Joey recently briefly returned to her Alma Mater – Williams College – for her 20th NCAA season to help lead the softball team to a 2023 Conference Championship! Over the past two years, Joey’s business has allowed her to impact individuals, teams, and companies throughout the nation.
When not traveling the world, she lives in Seminole, FL with her wife, Baillie, and their two rescue dogs.
Upcoming Joey Lye Clinics
January 28, 2024 | 2:00-4:30 pm – General softball skills clinic with Joey Lye
R.O.C. Park in Madeira Beach, FL
February 4, 2024 | 9:30-3:30 pm – Featuring Kelly Kretschman (hitting), Ally Carda (pitching), and Joey Lye (defense)
Blueprint Sports Academy in Apopka, FL
February 25th and March 3rd (two-week series) – Specialized sessions for defense, offense, and middle infield
Blueprint Sports Academy in Apopka, FL
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