Athlete of the Week: 10 questions of Lilly Cimaroli, New Trier field hockey

Lilly Cimaroli is a senior center midfielder for the Trevians. She is an All-State and All-America selection who competed with the U16 national team for three years. Cimaroli will continue playing for Princeton University.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

Not too many. There are certain songs I like to listen to and I’m usually the one who connects to the speaker in the locker room. I go through warmups and passing with the same person, Avery (Haleck) every time. We have the same set warmup every game … and I like to do the same things at the same point of warmups. So more routines than superstitions.

2. Why Princeton?

First and foremost, the level of academics I’m able to obtain going there, while also being able to compete at a very high athletic level — Princeton is (seventh) in the country — so being able to be set up for the future and have that balance. Also getting to know the girls on the team and everyone else, I saw myself in those people and being surrounded by people with similar interests was a big selling point for me.

3. When did you get started with field hockey?

I started playing when I was like 6 years old. One of my parent’s really good friends played field hockey and lacrosse at Johns Hopkins and introduced to the spot. My dad signed me up one summer for a clinic and from there I kept playing. … It’s crazy that I’m still playing at that club (Windy City Field Hockey).

4. When did you know field hockey was your thing?

I played competitive soccer for a really long time and would usually would play soccer and field hockey simultaneously. Then in the middle eighth grade I made the Team USA junior team and was like OK maybe I’ll pursue field hockey and there’s a future in this. I was getting more national recognition and it clicked for me and my family, like maybe this is something I should pursue.

5. What’s been your top sports moment so far?

When I was a sophomore in high school, it was my third year on the U16 national team, and I got the privilege to be the captain of that team. We got to go to the Netherlands and I had that honor. Being involved with the USA program for so long and going into recruiting and getting that leadership role, was the culmination of my efforts those three years.

6. What’s your favorite thing to do off the field?

I like to spend time with friends and hang out, but I really like to listen to music and going to concerts and sports games. I do have a busy schedule, so to take time with friends and family and disconnect is something I value a lot.

7. What is your dream job?

I’m not sure. I definitely want to do something with problem solving and numbers, and every so often I mention maybe I would like to work for the CIA and do strategy. I definitely want to do something with problem solving and helping people as well and contributing to our world.

8. If you’re in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

I really like fun drinks, so I’d find a fun drink, like a Poppi or Body Armor. I also love facemasks, like a skin-care masks, so a fun drink and facemask and have a fun, chill night.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

Maybe that I really like music and I have a knack for learning lyrics really quickly. I love music and want to learn more about it. It’s not something I’d want to go into but I am really interested in music.

10. What will it take for this team to win another state title?

I think to get to another state title a lot is going to be our team having confidence in ourselves. We’ve proved we are capable of stepping up and embracing hard challenges when we need to. So it’s just recognizing we are capable, and let’s have confidence in ourselves and embrace these challenges. Everybody on the team has skills and decision-making ability. It’s taking the skills and being able to execute in big moments.

I’m looking forward to these playoffs and seeing how we do. I’m excited for the opportunities in front of us.

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