LEWISBURG – Canadian Olympic Medalist and Lewisburg resident Joey Lye says it took her ‘superpowers’ to train and endeavour through the delayed Tokyo Olympics…and it wasn’t on the softball field.
She told the Central PA Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting, it was in March of 2020 she went from thinking she’d see her teammates again in 10 days, to not seeing them until 10 months later.
“When our team came back together, we were night and day better. We returned as better players, we were mentally stronger, and we were evolved human beings. We had looked in the mirror and made a decision to do whatever it took just in case the Olympics happened,” she said.
This came as Lye had just gave up her job as head coach of the Bucknell University softball team to pursue her dream of playing in the Olympics.
Lye says slowing down during lockdown gave her the chance to reevaluate herself, mentally and physically, and find the motivation to stay ready in case her dream of playing on the Olympic stage would actually happen.
“Knowing ourselves unlocks so much in life. The more authentic and self-aware you are and the more you live your values versus preaching them, the better off everyone around you will be. Discover your best self for you, and be your best self to inspire those around you.”
The hard work payed off for Lye. Her team returned to competition, and she finally got her number called to start for an Olympic game on July 26, 2021, going 2-for-2 at the plate, and made some plays with her glove….except play.
“I got this perfect ground ball, and the ball hit my glove like it was a wooden pallet. Funny enough, none of my teammates remember that moment in the game. They remember my lights-out performance in the final start of my playing career. And yet I’ve told this story over and over again.”
Lye says that story taught her about the importance of leaning on others during challenging times, as well as working on you.
Today, Lye is the Chief Empowerment Officer of Joey Lye OLY LLC.
