Moniteau softball’s Lily Staab journeys from promising freshman to senior slugger
Bob Rottman knew he had something special when Lily Staab joined Moniteau varsity softball as a freshman in 2023.
“She was varsity-ready that year, and that wasn’t just for us,” he said. “She would have played as a freshman for any school. It’s a tribute to all the work she put in from 8U and up.
“When it comes to pitching, she faced the best of the best in travel ball. That makes it a lot easier on a kid when they start playing in high school. She sees the ball very well, has a smooth swing, and there’s no velocity that phases her.”
Staab was named a Butler Eagle First Team all-star as a junior when she led the team in batting average (.413), hits (19), RBIs (21), home runs (five) and runs scored (22).
The Warriors have played just three official games this season, but Staab does not appear to be headed for a senior swoon. She is 4 for 8 at the plate with a double, two home runs and three RBIs.
“I took hitting lessons my freshman year, learned how to approach inside and outside pitches, and that helped me,” Staab said. “I hit five home runs that season.”
In fact, Staab needs three more home runs to break the school’s career record of 17.
Not to be overlooked is Staab’s ability in the field. She started at second base as a freshman and sophomore, moved to shortstop last year and is suiting up as the team’s catcher this season.
“She’s even pitched for us in a pinch,” Rottman said. “There’s tremendous value in having someone so versatile like that on the roster, and she’s a good teammate, too, always has a smile on her face. All the things she does, it makes my job easier as a coach.”
Rottman wants Staab to benefit the team as much as possible in this, her last year. To that end, he has her mentoring freshman Anna Snyder, who is slated to take over at catcher next spring. Staab was a catcher throughout her travel playing days.
“There’s things that Anna needs to learn, like how to frame pitches, and I’m working on that with her,” Staab said.
Staab, who enjoys golfing and fishing in her free time, also starred as an outside hitter for Moniteau’s volleyball team, but plans to play just softball at Butler County Community College.
“I began with softball in a local rec league years ago, and I’ve always had a lot more fun playing it.”
