Name: Lilah Shaub
State: Pennsylvania
High School: Spring Grove
College: Lebanon Valley College

Since I was little, athletics have been a part of my life.

From watching my older siblings from the sidelines, to actually playing in the games; I wouldn’t be the person I am today without sports.

I first fell in love with sports when I was four years old. I started playing soccer after watching my siblings both play it for years. Soccer was my entire world until I saw my older sister playing in her field hockey games.

Watching her games influenced me to find my new sport. I dreamed of the day that I would have the opportunity to play with my sister.

I started playing field hockey in 7th grade. While this sport was not foreign to me, I had to learn proper techniques and stay determined in order to become the best player I could be.

Field hockey has taught me how to be confident, how to believe in myself, how to win, how to lose, but most importantly, the beauty of friendship. Field hockey has given me the gift of a forever friendship with my teammates, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

When I was a freshman on the field hockey team, it was kind of scary. You only have your small group of friends and the rest are older, more mature girls who you so desperately want to be.

I was nervous to play Varsity as a freshman, but luckily my sister was there. My sister gave me guidance and was always there when I needed help with a drill or picking up the equipment.

Playing with my sister will be something I am forever grateful for. My sister influenced me to want to be “a big sister” to other girls on the team. Throughout my high school field hockey career, I made it my goal to help others.

Field hockey was becoming more than just a game; it was creating a second family, until the unthinkable happened. During the off-season in my sophomore year, I suffered a stress fracture in my shin.

In order to be ready for the upcoming field hockey season, I went to physical therapy for the summer, and my life changed. Ever since I broke my first bone, I knew I wanted to help people recover from their injuries, but I never knew what it looked like.

When I went to physical therapy, I realized the huge impact physical therapists have on individuals. They get to help people every day and physically get to see the difference they make.

Because of the kindness and sweet care my physical therapist provided me with, I want to make it my goal to become a PT. I will be attending Lebanon Valley College and will be playing Division III field hockey.

I was accepted into the 3+3 Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and will be able to achieve my dream of becoming a physical therapist. Athletics have given me so much, and I want to help others get back to what they love most.

This post is an unedited piece written by Lilah Shaub. She is participating in the 2025 Dr. Judith Benscoter Female Athlete Scholarship contest. To vote for her, please purchase a $2.99 one-time membership and cast your ballot. You may also vote for her video on our Instagram account. The scholarship winner will be determined by most votes (likes) on Instagram video and the most votes cast on the candidate’s essay writing.

Voting runs from March 13-16. Winners will be announced March 17.