Jasper's Lampert signs to continue Softball career at Lincoln Trail

Elise Lampert smiles while addressing the crowd at her college signing.

The All-SIAC pitcher, and 2023 Sectional Champion will stick relatively close to home, making the future move to Robinson, Illinois.

Though the Senior stand-out says she initially searched for a collegiate home at a four-year institution, after a visit to Lincoln Trail, she set her sights on the junior college.

"I had mainly looked at four-year schools, it had never really occurred to me that I might want to go to a junior college," Lampert said. "Upon realizing that I wanted an Associate's degree at a school that did not have sports in general, a junior college might be a really good bet."

"Coach Arnold reached out to me and I had a good visit," Lampert added.

Lampert plans on filling out pre-requisites for and Ultrasound Technology Degree during her time at Lincoln Trail.

Though, the road to this point hasn't been easy. Even through dealing with minor injuries and a December Leukemia diagnosis, Jasper Softball Head Coach Matt Pryor says that Lampert has kept her spirits up and kept her eyes on her goals.

"So many people would've stepped away, getting devastating news like that," Pryor said. "'I've got to hang up that dream of mine', that's not in her blood. She's absolutely not going to let anything defeat her."

"Seeing her focus on growing, growing, and growing, and not just being satisfied about reaching a certain plateau is something that I admire about her," Pryor added.

Both Lampert and Pryor have their sights set on defending last year's sectional championship run. One word both attributed to the 2024 Cats: 'Potential'.

"We are a very athletic team, and I just look forward to seeing how the girls work together and how we bond as a team," Lampert said.

Elise Lampert and her parents being introduced in the Jasper Community Room.

Lampert will be counted on to lead from the circle and the plate.

"Our mindset at practice has been tougher...," Pryor said. "Everything we do, we're trying to kick it up a notch."

Jasper Softball will begin the season at home against Pike Central.