Whether on the soccer pitch or fencing strip, Lily Paine is a very cerebral competitor in thinking decisively and swiftly before striking. The thinking approach has paid off prominently for her in sensational sabre showings for the Tigers.

The Hand junior and girls’ soccer netminder partook in soccer, swimming, and horseback riding growing up before her father encouraged her to try her hand at fencing. It has been a decision for the betterment of Lily and her Tiger teammates, as she finished 6th at individual states for girls’ sabre last postseason, netting herself Second Team All-State honors in the process. She also helped the Tigers finish first in that discipline at Team States, and was named a squad captain for Hand this winter. This all followed a fall soccer campaign that saw the Tigers post a solid 13-2-1 regular-season mark.

“[Hand fencing Head Coach Michael Ginsburg] has really helped me become confident in my abilities and helped me with what I need to work on,” says Lily. “My teammates also challenge me every day in practice, and my family has really helped me with fencing by teaching me how to be more calm and keep things in control. I love the team environment here; everyone is so nice and welcoming. Sabre is also similar to playing goalkeeper in soccer with making quick decisions.”

Speaking more to crossing over multiple sports, Lily mentions that those one-on-one scenarios in soccer have aided her progression with fencing by sharpening her mental skills on being more insightful with physical cues by her opponents.

“Through having a breakaway in soccer and it is just you and the striker, I’ve worked on when to attack and go for it and when to stay back,” Lily says. “Those are important things for fencing, too. It helped me with my speed and accuracy in fencing. There are a lot of mind games in both sports in figuring out what the opponent will do next and working on seeing signs they present on what they will do.”

Harkening back to her showing at solo states, Lily remembers that her practice sessions did not go ideally. Yet it turned out to benefit her, because it became a pivotal moment where Lilly learned how to lock in and block any negative thoughts out.

“The day before states, I was in practice bouts and was doing poorly and did not know why,” says Lily. “Right before states, I separated myself and took a deep breath. I went in with the mindset that I wanted to do the best I could, but whatever happens, happens. I just tried to be more aggressive with getting points first, and it worked out.”

More than any physical attribute, Lily notches that she has gained great mental growth when it comes to performing on a big stage–something which was bolstered by being part of that first-place performance with girls’ sabre after dispatching rival Guilford to give the Tigers their first state title in that division.

“Before fencing, I was scared of not performing well. I would get upset with myself if I allowed a goal in soccer. But it all helped me become more confident in myself and calm in high-pressure situations,” says Lily. “Winning states as a team in sabre was amazing. We really felt proud of ourselves, and we had some amazing touches to help us win against Guilford.”

Ginsburg praises Lily for truly exemplifying the Tigers’ team tenets while being a selfless teammate that quickly took to the sport through the backdrop of COVID.

“The goals of our fencing team are to learn how to be the best fencer you can be, have fun, and make some new friends; Lily exemplifies all three of those goals,” says Ginsburg. “Without any prior experience, Lily joined the sabre squad her freshman year during the pandemic, which was hard given the circumstances. Her positive attitude throughout the season, her kindness, and willingness to help whenever it was needed all led her to be elected one of our team’s sabre captains this year. As a coach, I am very fortunate to have the privilege of having Lily as part of our team the next two years.”

On a younger squad, Lily loves the opportunity to step up in a leadership role this winter as a Hand captain. As she aims for an individual state crown this postseason, Lily additionally just wants to enjoy the time with an always-entertaining team and sport.

“Being named captain felt a little weird, because there are not many seniors on this team, so it was funny to say I was a captain as a junior,” Lily says. “It is cool, because it gives me a chance to show what I can do in this type of position. For me this year, I want to place high, if not first, at states. I want to improve on my defense and parries; my attacks are good. For the team, we all want to win. Everyone is really trying hard and excited for this season. We are all happy to have fun this year.”