Jenna Lilley Pays Tribute to Former North Hoover High Teammate Kaitlyn Eckelberry

For the second winter in a row, Jenna Lilley, the former high school and college All-American, Team USA member and current pro player, has lost a former teammate to a car accident.

In January of 2019, Jenna wrote a beautiful tribute to her longtime friend and Oregon teammate Geri Ann Glasco in a piece we titled “My Forever Teammate, Friend & Angel.”

This week, Jenna sadly had to sum up her feelings for another friend and teammate, Kaitlyn Eckleberry who died early last Saturday morning in a car accident in Pennsylvania.

The two infielders won high school championships together at North Hoover High in Canton, Ohio (Jenna won four Ohio Div. I titles—one for every year of her prep career).

Here are Jenna’s thoughts she shared via social media and gave us permission to rerun her in tribute to Katie, saying eloquently: “I love telling the world about the type of person she was.”

*****

Kaitlyn was beautiful inside and out.

She had this infectious smile and was always laughing. She was a great softball player and even better teammate (we made a damn strong left side in high school ball).

She was smart and always willing to give a helping hand. She was hilarious and was always kind to everyone who crossed her path. Everything about Kaitlyn was beautiful.

I cherish our time and memories together… I was so lucky to know her.

Kaitlyn made the world a brighter, better place. I send my love and thoughts to the Eckelberry family and friends.

As the old saying goes, you won’t remember the W’s and the L’s. You’ll remember your teammates and the memories you made with them along the way.

You’ll remember how they made you feel. How they picked you up. You’ll remember those moments on the field you can’t experience with anyone else but your teammates.

I’ll always remember how Kaitlyn made me feel.

I’ll remember the team nights (where we all squished into someone’s family room and had the best of times).

I’ll remember the chest bumps, the bus rides, how fun we made practices, and everything in between.

I’ll remember all of the laughs our teams shared together.

She was such a light to everyone on and off the field. She picked me up. And she picked everyone up with her bright light, positive attitude and infectious smile.

Still can’t believe it. Hope you’re resting easy beautiful girl.

Kaitlyn, I love you forever.
Your infectious smile will never fade.

— Jenna

*****

Additionally, Kaitlyn studied to be a Physician Assistant and was in the Gannon University PA Program in Erie, Pennsylvania.

The school issued the following statement on Friday that read as follows:

Our students are prepared to become ethical, professional, and high quality healthcare providers who are socially responsible leaders in their discipline and community.Today we celebrate the life of a recent Gannon graduate who embodied our program’s mission.

Kaitlyn Marie Eckelberry was taken from us tragically in a car accident last Saturday.

The gravity of these events has impacted so many members of the Gannon community: faculty, staff, administrators, students, alumni, and especially Kaitlyn’s classmates, professors, teammates, coaches, and friends. Kaitlyn was a natural leader.

As a student-athlete and SAAC Make-A-Wish chairperson she displayed a level of dedication, discipline, and service to which other leaders aspire.

Kaitlyn had an infectious positive spirit and zest for life. Her accomplishments in athletics and involvement in collegiate life opened the door for friendships and relationships that would thrive.

Kaitlyn had grit. She faced challenges fearlessly and with a smile on her face.

Kaitlyn excelled academically. She would have provided high quality healthcare as a vital member of the healthcare team if given the opportunity. Kaitlyn was selfless.

She was giving back to her current community the way that she gave to the Gannon Community during her 5 years here.

As we think about our program’s mission let’s recognize the achievements of this fine young woman, and be proud that she stands with us as representatives of Gannon’s PA Program and the PA Profession.

Kaitlyn, you are loved by so many and will not be forgotten.