Fairland High School shortstop Addilyn Lollar takes the field knowing every pitch could come her way, and she would not have it any other way.
“Shortstop, you have to always be mentally prepared for each pitch,” Lollar said, describing a position she has come to embrace as the heart of the infield for the Lady Owls. That constant readiness has shaped the way she approaches both softball and life, especially as she grows into a varsity leader at Fairland.
Lollar said the challenges of the position start before the ball ever leaves the pitcher’s hand. She prides herself on anticipating every situation, backing up plays and being ready to move in any direction. That mental edge has been her biggest focus heading into the new season.[1]
“My mental game,” Lollar said when asked what she has improved most. “You have to stay locked in, no matter what happened on the last play.”
Even with the demands of shortstop, Lollar said her favorite part of the sport is the group of teammates surrounding her.
“How we lift each other up, even when we’re not having the best game,” she said. “We all have those days, but we don’t let each other stay down.”
That support system includes some teammates who have taken on distinct roles in the dugout. Lollar pointed to Remington Wyrick as the most vocal presence on the team and said Dallas keeps everyone laughing “because she always has something out of pocket to say.”
Away from the diamond, Lollar stays busy with a full slate of school activities. She is involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council, FFA and the gifted and talented program at Fairland. In the classroom, math is her favorite subject, and she still remembers her fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Bowers, as a personal favorite.
Her work ethic and mindset are rooted at home. Lollar said she draws inspiration from her brothers and the way they approach their own goals. “My brother’s because of how hard they work,” she said.
When she does find free time, Lollar keeps her priorities simple and close. “Spending time with my family,” she said.
Asked to single out a favorite moment in her softball career, Lollar did not point to a walk-off hit or a game-saving play at shortstop. “I don’t have one specific moment, just thankful I can play this game,” she said.
For Fairland, that gratitude shows in the way Lollar anchors the infield, balances school and activities, and brings a steady presence to a team that leans on her preparation and poise.
