Lions sophomore shines, continues family legacy at Lackawanna Trail

FACTORYVILLE, PA(WBRE/WYOU)— Another season of Lackawanna Trail Field Hockey is underway, and the Lions are off to a fast start once again. That is thanks in part to sophomore Lyla Ryon. The second year star already has five goals in just her first two games.

Ryon produces with the ball and without it. She led the team in goals and assists her freshman year. The feat earning her an all-state honorable mention.

Her success is a long time in the making, Lyla started training in second grade. Continuously playing above her age level wearing the Red, White, and Blue.

"When I was in the summer going into eight grade, I got invited into the USA national camp, and that definitely boosted my confidence. I was on the u16 USA team as a u14 athlete," said Ryon.

Alongside her, Ryan's built chemistry with teammate Emma Thomas. A foundation on the field that is built on trust between the two.

"Over the years, we just learned to trust each other. Trust is a big thing in sports. It's just knowing when I hear her voice, I just know that what she is telling me to do is going to work out like I have no doubt when I have Lyla on the field," Thomas said.

Head Coach Holly Colvin witnessed that talent display firsthand in her first two years at trail. "I can remember her playing in her backyard. So, she has always had a stick in her hand. You could tell she loved the sport from day one. For a freshman, it was beyond where you typically are."

Having good genes doesn't hurt either, her sister Leena is second in school history in goals. Her brother Isaac is also breaking several conference rushing records on the football field.

Lyla said, "Growing up watching my two siblings definitely helped me a lot just watching me see what they could do and achieve things that they achieved definitely pushed me to be better or even as good as them."

The Lions have district and a state title appearance on their minds for the first time since 2023, which just so happened to be Leena Thomas's senior season.

Congratulations once again to our 28/22 sports athlete of the week, Lyla Ryon!