St. Mary’s softball standout Lily Newhall had plenty of options when it came to choosing where to continue her academic and athletic career. She landed on Saint Anselm and made it official Tuesday when she signed her National Letter of Intent in a brief ceremony at St. Mary’s attended by her family, coaches, teachers and teammates.
“It felt like home,” Newhall said about becoming a Hawk. “It’s a small school, like St. Mary’s, and they have a very competitive program.”
Saint Anselm is getting a good one in Newhall, a varsity player at St. Mary’s since the eighth grade. Her career record as a pitcher is 40-5 with a 1.46 ERA and 388 strikeouts. As a junior last year, she hit .387 with two home runs and 11 RBI. She plays second base when she doesn’t pitch. Newhall, who has helped the Spartans reach two North finals (2019, 2021), formerly ran cross country and played basketball.
“I’m so happy for her. This is a pinnacle moment for her,” said St. Mary’s softball coach Frank Pagliuca. “Lily has a competitive fire that comes out all the time. She loves the game and she is a great leader.”
Newhall, whose parents Jason and Lysa were varsity athletes at Bridgewater State, said she watched a lot of college softball growing up and knew she wanted to reach that level. Once she started playing in high school, that goal became more realistic, and she feels prepared to succeed on the field and in the classroom at Saint Anselm, which awarded her a softball scholarship.
“St. Mary’s is a college-prep school so I feel my classes have helped me get ready for college,” she said. “And all of my coaches have prepared me for college softball.”
The Saint Anselm coaches have told Newhall they see her as a position player and hitter first, though she will get an opportunity to pitch as well. She will be ready for both.
“Lily is obviously a quality pitcher, but she is a well-rounded player,” Pagliuca said. “She’s a good fielder and a good hitter. She knows what’s ahead of her and she’s not afraid of competition.”
Pagliuca, who has also coached the St. Mary’s girls hockey team since 2005, said Newhall possesses the intangibles necessary to succeed at the collegiate level.
“Lily has a natural work ethic and is committed to her craft,” he said. “She’s coachable and has no ego. She’s willing to put the time in to get to the next level.”
With her college decision now official, Newhall can focus on the upcoming season.
“I feel like I can just go out and play,” she said. “I’m looking forward to this year. We have the talent; we just need to execute.”
