Striding toward excellence
By Mike Beas
At some point in Brownsburg High School’s rich, decades-long athletic history, an individual might have experienced three sectional titles in the span of a few hours.
Otherwise, Abby Lynch has broken new ground.
Earlier this month, the senior placed first at the cross country sectional hosted — and ultimately won — by the Bulldogs. Following some rest and a change of uniforms, Lynch produced the go-ahead goal for the girls soccer squad as it downed host Avon, 3-1, in the championship match.
There’s no truth to the rumor that the Energizer Bunny patterns itself after Lynch, though it’s not difficult to visualize such a scenario. She carries a 4.3 grade-point average and makes it a point to be involved in various school-related extracurricular activities.
“Abby is as fit as can be. She won (cross country) sectional and wasn’t even running hard so she could stay fresh for the soccer tournament later in the day,” said Brownsburg girls soccer coach Josh George, whose team finished with a 12-7-1 record after losing in a semifinal match at the Class 3A East Central Regional.
“She’s just an incredible athlete. Very driven and just wired differently than a lot of athletes are. Abby asks a lot of questions and is always seeking feedback trying to get better.”
Lynch, whose dad Steven Lynch coaches boys basketball, committed to the University of Illinois early in her junior year to be part of the women’s soccer and track and field programs. Lynch’s mother, Amy (Eagle Elementary PE teacher), was a swimmer for the Illini from 1990-1993, though Abby said the connection played only a small part in her committing there.
Abby previously made a campus visit to the United States Naval Academy for soccer and was drawing interest from Miami of Ohio, Florida Gulf Coast and Samford for soccer. Schools recruiting Lynch to run track included Indiana, North Carolina and Oklahoma State.
Lynch did a Q&A with ICON:
Q: Being a two-sport athlete the same season is difficult in this era of athletic specialization. Why do you do it?
A: The competition is what drives me. Soccer is my main sport, but there is a lot I like about running, and it’s something I can more easily work into my schedule. I don’t have to go to practice every day to run, but can still do it.
Q: What will you major in at the University of Illinois, and what would you like to do professionally?
A: I’m majoring in finance or another business-related major. I really would love to stay in sports and try to be a financial manager for a sports team.
Q: Was making a college choice difficult?
A: For a while it was, but in the end I wanted to do both (soccer and track) and that sort of made the decision easier. I’m super excited to go to Illinois. They’re building a new soccer and track facility that opens this spring. It will be built before I get there.
Athlete of the Week
