Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Ilana Styles, New Trier softball

Ilana Styles is a senior outfielder for the Trevians. She was the CSL South’s offensive player of the year in 2025 and is committed to Colby College.

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

I wouldn’t say I have a particular routine, but I always try to get to the field as soon as I can to have a little time to relax and not be rushed getting ready before the game, and I like to listen to music also — more like slower songs. I listen to a lot of my old-man music, which is my favorite actually, so my favorites are like Billy Joel, Steely Dan, The Eagles.

2. Why is Colby a good fit for you?

It’s perfect for me because of the balance between high academics and athletics and the facilities are amazing. I really liked the softball program there, as well, and Maine is so pretty. I’m really excited to explore that.

3. What would be your dream job?

I’m not really sure. Definitely something where I can travel or just stay active and work with people. But I’m undecided at Colby right now and don’t really know what I want to pursue.

4. What is your first memory of softball or baseball?

Playing T-ball when I was around 6, just at the field down the street from me (in Glencoe). I would just play with my dad and my friends at the time and loved running around.

5. What is your favorite softball memory?

Probably winning (conference) with my team last year. That was really exciting, because my whole softball career I’ve never been on that successful of a team before. And we hadn’t won our conference in 10 years before last year.

6. What is your favorite baseball movie?

I’d probably say “The Sandlot,” a classic. It’s pretty nostalgic for me. Love the references to baseball and the characters. It’s just a great movie.

7. What is your favorite thing to do off the field?

I like spending time with my friends and family, going on walks, and listening to music. I also love being outside, especially in the summer. And traveling when I can.

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

Sour Patch (Kids) Watermelon, those are my top candy; and maybe a pack of gum or something. I’m not really into soda or anything.

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

Besides the music taste, another thing is I’m pretty into photography. I recently got my own camera and I’ve been taking photography classes at school for three years and I just really enjoy taking photos, particularly of travel and street photography .

10. Where is this team right now and where do you want to be?

I think so far this season we’ve been working on building relationships as a team and creating our culture, and the past couple of games we’ve had it’s really shown through — particularly (April 21) with the big comeback win. So I’m looking forward to taking it one game at a time.

Our goal is to win our conference again this year and maybe make a run in regionals and state, but right now we’re just focusing our current games and continuing to grow as a the team.

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