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Softball  . 

Lilio Enjoys A Personal Change for the Better

by Brad Muller

Quincee Lilio is good at adapting to change and working through difficult transitions. The redshirt junior was a part of three national championships at Oklahoma, and now she brings a winning attitude to South Carolina. Lilio moved from the infield to the outfield for the Gamecocks, and the Oceanside, California, native is adjusting well to a new school and a new position.

“I was looking for more playing time and more opportunities to be on the field,” said Lilio, who batted .211 with 14 RBI in 88 games for the Sooners, while also posting a .411 on base percentage. “When I met the coaches here, it had that family feel because the staff is super close. Softball isn’t going to be around for me forever, so I want to compete at a high level.

“The transition was pretty tough at first, but I got used to it pretty quickly.”

A talented slap hitter, Lilio moved to centerfield this past fall after playing mostly second base throughout her softball career.

“You have to do what’s best for the team,” Lilio said. “It’s very different, but I don’t mind it all. During games, I can get kind of funny. In the outfield, sometimes I’ll be out there singing to myself or start doing some mini dance moves with my hands. I don’t think anyone catches me doing that. I’m locked into the game though.”

Lilio
“My dad passed away two months before I went to college. I really was lost.”
Quincee Lilio  . 

Moving halfway across the country, initially for college and now playing on the opposite coast were big decisions for Lilio, but her faith has helped her along in recent years.

“I wasn’t really a believer when I came to college, but when I went to Oklahoma, that’s where my life changed,” Lilio said. “The people that led me to Christ were teammates. My dad passed away two months before I went to college. I really was lost. To have them show me the things Christ can fulfill has really impacted her life.”

Lilio started playing softball when she was very young, and she did have some interest in other sports and activities but stuck with what she did best.

“I love the competition and that it’s a team sport,” Lilio said. “I did play tennis, softball, and ballet when I was four, but I just stuck with softball. In high school, I wanted to play rugby, but I was already committed, and my travel ball team was really good, so I decided I couldn’t risk that. I told my travel ball coach, who was also my high school coach, and he said, absolutely not. My little brother plays rugby, so that’s how I got a little interested in it.”

While most of her immediate family is on the west coast, Lilio has a lot of relatives in Guam and Samoa, and she would love to visit both places someday. For now, she’s excited about her first tour around the SEC and helping the Gamecocks reach their goals.

“I’m looking forward to experiencing the SEC, and seeing how far we can go,” Lilio said. “The best part about this situation is meeting new people. Our team is very welcoming and loving. Just feeling that every day, has been a good change for me.”