Naperville Central junior center fielder Cali Lenz has always been surrounded by sports.
Within Lenz’s immediate family, her older brother Colton is a former three-sport athlete at Naperville Central and plays rugby at Louisville, her older sister Kendall is a former two-sport athlete at Naperville Central and played softball at Wisconsin-Eau Claire, her mother played volleyball at Purdue and her father is a longtime coach.
Also, a great-great-grandfather played for the 1942 World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals, and a great-uncle played for the Detroit Lions for 12 seasons.
“I’ve learned toughness from my brother,” Lenz said. “My dad coached us in everything growing up and still coaches at Jefferson Junior High School. He has always been willing to go outside and play catch or shoot baskets. My mom taught me how failing is a part of the game and a part of sports and how to learn from mistakes.”
But Lenz’s sister Kendall has inspired her the most.
“She’s someone I can always go to for advice and is always there for me,” Lenz said. “I’ve learned a lot from her. I watched her switch to the left side as a sophomore. It was hard, but she never gave up.
“She is always positive and always looks at the bright side of things. I love that about her. I think I get my ability to remain positive through all of the ups and downs of this sport and life through her. I loved watching her play.”
Lenz, a third-year varsity player, is making her mark for the defending DuPage Valley Conference co-champion Redhawks (2-3) too. She batted .388 with 26 RBIs, eight doubles, three triples and four home runs last season.
“She’s certainly capable of hitting .400, and that’s a pretty good average against the teams we play,” Naperville Central coach Andy Nussbaum said. “She surprisingly got a lot of RBIs last year. She can do it. She has improved defensively and has great range. She’s a quiet leader.
“I think she’s going to have college coaches taking a second look at her. She wants to play in college. She has the tools.”
Junior pitcher Avery Miller said the Redhawks can rely on Lenz, who is batting .353 with three doubles and three RBIs as the leadoff hitter this season.
“When it comes to her hitting, I know something good is going to happen,” Miller said. “She is a very good clutch hitter. She has a very good approach at the plate, which makes her stand out.”
Lenz is also taking on an increased role as a captain this season.
“I have been led by excellent leaders and want to develop into a great leader as a captain,” she said.
Naperville Central sophomore outfielder Fiona Brown said she looks up to Lenz.
“Cali’s work ethic and standards for herself make her who she is,” Brown said. “She is never content as a player and always tries to do more. Every time she walks off the field, she knows something she could work more on. It’s admirable.
“She’s very hardworking but also truly charismatic and feels for her teammates. She knows how to pick you up and help you through a slump or after a poor at-bat.”
Miller agreed that Lenz is a good teammate.
“She is very supportive of her teammates,” Miller said. “She plays with confidence but still will always put the team first and stays positive.”
Not surprising, Lenz remains positive as she looks ahead.
“I have big goals,” she said. “We want to win conference and go as far as we can in the postseason. I also want to continue to play softball in college. I’ve had a few visits and would love a school with a great education program.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
