Track and Field star commits to South Dakota

Lillian Allison is not throwing away her shot when she gets to college. The Green River High School senior recently committed to compete in Track and Field at the University of South Dakota, and shared her decision during a signing event with her parents and coach. 

Allison competes in Shot Put and Discus, and said she has "dabbled" in the Weight Throw as well during her time competing for Green River. 

"I started competing in track partly because my brother did, but also because I was a natural talent at throwing," Allison explained. "I have never been one to waste something I'm good at."

Allison has qualified for State all four years of high school, and competed in the Wyoming Track and Field Classic event twice. These accomplishments and opportunities have stood out to her as highlights, but so have the moments of encouragement she's received from her coaches. 

"One of my favorite memories is the pep talk Coach McCoy gave me going into Regionals last year, and any of the congratulations Coach Hansen has given me over the years," Allison said. 

Head Track and Field Coach Dan Hansen has not only encouraged Allison, but he speaks highly of her abilities. 

"Lillian is a student athlete that is very dedicated to her successes," Hansen said. He pointed out that she is a multiple All-Conference and All-State athlete, and said she "comes to practice ready to improve her craft, as well as being a team leader for the other athletes." 

Coach Hansen believes Allison will continue to grow at the collegiate level and find success based on the foundation she has built. 

"She puts in the time and effort that is required to reach the heights that have garnered her a Division One College Track and Field scholarship," Hansen said. 

Following her successful high school career, Allison is preparing to take the next steps and take the competition to the next level. 

"I'm looking forward to a different view on my events, heavier competition, and seeing where my career finishes out," she said. "Like I've mentioned, I don't want to waste my potential, and I hope I live up to who I can be."

Allison specifically chose the University of South Dakota, located in Vermillion, South Dakota, as the place to pursue her athletic career further. She explained that she visited three different schools, but found herself comparing everything to USD. 

"One of the last deciding factors was how the coaches interacted," Allison said. "I feel valued at USD. I decided that I had the best chance to live up to my potential in South Dakota." 

As she prepares to take the next steps, Allison noted that competing in Track and Field has helped teach her the value of hard work. 

"My biggest take away from track is that you get out what you put in," she explained. "There is natural talent in Track and Field. However, every talented athlete reaches the point when work is needed, not just talent. You can be fast, jump high, and be strong, but that will only get you so far. At some point you have to put in hours in the summer, watch too many videos of yourself and others, and constantly think about getting better. In the end, you can't think about the adversity, you just have to overcome it."