Recruiting Spotlight: New Michigan Commit Lilly Vallimont On Her Decision, Becoming a Wolverine

On Tuesday, the Michigan Wolverines announced the addition of Lilly Vallimont, the #1-ranked catcher in the Class of 2022 by Extra Inning Softball. Vallimont, who plays for Lady Dukes 18u-Lamar, announced last week her decision to “come home” and commit to Michigan for her collegiate career.

“It’s been a journey to say the least” said Vallimont. “I made a verbal commitment to Northwestern when I was only 13 and as much as I loved the coaches and was honored to have that opportunity, a lot can change from age 13-17”

Extra Inning Softball correspondent Joy Roeder got a chance to talk with Lilly about her recruiting journey and commitment.

Q: When did you begin to think about possibly looking at other options for college?
A: When I was 16 my Mom got really sick and it got me thinking about the bigger picture of life. I knew that I wanted to continue to play softball but I was torn because I really wanted to be near my family. I started seeing things differently which actually came from my Mom. She challenged me to think about my daily choices as a part of my legacy. She got me thinking about what I wanted my legacy to be.

Q: I’m sure there was a lot of pressure and fear to decommit from such a well known and great program like Northwestern University. How did you handle that pressure and what advice would you give other players that might be facing something similar?
A: Yes of course there was pressure. I didn’t want to let anyone down or make anyone upset. Ultimately I started to become unhappy and internally there was a struggle going on. I could tell I needed to speak up and even my parents could tell something was wrong. I had to find my own way to build up the courage to say what I was feeling and what I thought would be best for my future. It wasn’t easy but I would tell anyone else going through the process of making decisions for their future you have to follow your heart. Your journey is not anyone else’s and you will be the one who has to live out the commitments you make. Only you know where you feel is a fit and only you know what will make you thrive. I would also say things can and do change and it’s ok embrace it have courage and go for it!

Q: What other schools were you considering besides Michigan and how did you finally land on the decision to commit to Michigan?
A: Michigan was definitely the top of my list but I wanted to keep an open mind because at 13 I never really had the chance to enjoy the recruiting process. I did visit a few other schools and even had some more visits lined up but I had to go with my heart. I didn’t want to waste anyone’s time when I knew in my heart my choice was Michigan. I feel so honored to have the opportunity to play in my home state for Hutch. It is a dream come true for sure. Some of the things that stood out to me as I interacted with Coach Hutch was how big on communicating team culture she was. It was apparent right away that any player coming in must buy into and fit into the team culture. My conversations with her were very little about softball and more about how important it is to her that each player buys in to what the team culture is and being a good teammate above all else. What made probably the most impact on my decision was being in on a zoom call with some of the players and hearing their commitment to the team culture and holding each other accountable. Lexi Blair had the most influence by letting me know she is a leader on the team she hold players accountable she really conveyed how the players look out for each other. The team has a “one pitch at a time” mentality and I already strive to play with that mindset. Knowing the talent already in place and the talent coming in, I believe we can definitely be competitive. I knew Michigan is where I needed to be.

Q: Now that the decision is made what is something you want to accomplish before you get to Michigan?
A: It is really important to me that I show up ready. I have already implemented a gluten free diet just to become healthier and I know that staying in shape is important but during this time I want to be stepping up my commitment to my weight lifting program. I already weight lift but I want to push myself. I feel like a lot of freshman have said they didn’t realize how hard it was going to be in college I am going to do everything I can to be as prepared as possible.

Q: Going back to the idea of leaving your legacy, you are pretty young to have that mindset… why do you think even at a young age that mindset is important and how do you live out that on a daily basis as young as you are?
A: It’s easy as a young adult to think you have time and not worry about the future but watching my Mom go through her illness and realizing we aren’t guaranteed tomorrow. It made me want to live each day reminded you never know what tomorrow might bring and keep asking myself how will I leave my legacy today? I have a tattoo on my left arm that says ‘Leave your legacy, Lilly Grace.’ It’s my reminder that whatever I do, I’m leaving a legacy (note: it’s on my left arm so when I’m batting I see it)!”

It will be exciting to watch as Lilly continues her softball career!

—- Joy Roeder, Extra Inning Softball Correspondent