“Phoebe works every day to become a better lacrosse player; she never misses an opportunity to grow as a player, leader, or person.  Having someone with that mentality lead your program changes the culture of the team, it encourages everyone to take risks, try new things, and find ways to grow every day,” said Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse Coach Cat Catanazaro. 

As someone with a passion for athletics since day one, Silver flourished in many different sports: soccer, dance, basketball, and field hockey, to name a few. Once in high school, the two she pursued and excelled in were tennis and lacrosse. 

Growing up with three athletic older brothers, Phoebe has learned how to be competitive and face adversity from an early age. Watching them play sports sparked her own desire to do the same.

“My family is constantly pushing me and keeping me humble. I think I owe a lot of my motivation to them because they don’t allow me to take days off or play below my level,” said Silver. “My dad especially sacrifices his own time to practice with me outside of my practices and pushes me to go out of my comfort zone and try new things.” 

But it is her oldest brother, Charlie Silver, who truly made an impact on her early on. 

“I went back and forth about starting the recruiting process at first. Ultimately, one of the biggest factors that pushed me to continue playing lacrosse was seeing my older brother Charlie’s success at the Division III level,” said Silver. “He’s one of my biggest role models, and watching him thrive both academically and on the field gave me the confidence to move forward on my own path.”

Since then, and through her encouraging family, she exploded into a talented and versatile two-sport varsity athlete starting her freshman year. 

Making both varsity tennis and lacrosse teams was no easy feat. Driven and determined from the start, Silver came into high school not knowing exactly where athletics would take her, but eager to embrace whatever challenges and successes lay ahead.

Whether it was under the lights or on the court, this year’s Female Athlete of the Year consistently made her presence known. 

Although she is solo on the court, she approaches every match and practice with a team-first mentality, constantly supporting and encouraging those around her. Her fellow teammates can attest to her dedication and pride for the sports she plays.

“Phoebe is the kind of athlete who everyone should hope to emulate. Getting to play with her on the tennis court, I get to see her impressive skills and positive attitude no matter what situation she is in,” said teammate and fellow captain Carm Ventura. “She always inspires me to give my best no matter what.”

Phoebe’s tennis career has left a lasting impression on her. Although she’s not continuing at the next level, this is a sport she plans to carry with her beyond college. 

With graduation around the corner, Phoebe is currently preparing for the next chapter of life, which she will spend playing D3 lacrosse at Kenyon College. She intends to try out for the Club Tennis Team at Kenyon. 

“I chose Kenyon because of the balance between academics and athletics. I liked the smaller size, and the campus is so beautiful,” said Silver. 

One of her favorite memories from this was winning one of her matches in the IHSA State Tournament. Being the only unseeded player to make it as far as she did in the state, she had to overcome much adversity. 

“I had a tough bracket and had to play the three seed early on. I lost that match and kept playing in the back draw bracket. The next day, I had to play against her again. I remember being so nervous, but I played some of my best tennis and beat her in a tiebreaker,” said Silver.  

From being a nervous freshman to a starting captain, Silver has gained significant wisdom throughout her four years. Both her wins and losses have shaped her into the athlete and person she is today. She has grown to understand that it’s not just about winning games or matches, but about improving and growing with her team. 

“Phoebe was a great captain and was great for the culture of our team and program…her discipline, work ethic, and always practicing with a purpose led to some great individual successes for her but also helped set the tone for our team,” said Varsity Tennis Coach Josh Rabjohns. “She’s a ridiculously high character girl and very deserving of winning this award.”

Most freshmen start their careers trying to adapt to the pace of the varsity team. Silver adjusted quickly and made sure she earned her spot on both the court and the field immediately. 

With her unwavering determination to succeed, she became a vital player on both teams, which earned her a starting position as a freshman and a captain band as a senior.

“I do not think there has ever been a day when Phoebe did not bring her best effort to practice. I firmly believe that trait is something that has shaped her growth as a player.  She is not afraid to put in the hard work, getting extra reps or helping a teammate practice,” said Catanazaro. 

Yet, one of her biggest sacrifices came from off the field. There were events and moments that she had to miss in order to pursue her goal of playing at the next level. 

“I had to sacrifice a lot of fun activities, like school dances and birthdays, but I would do it all over again. I think people underestimate how much time is spent as a recruit, whether it’s emailing, calling, or playing in front of coaches,” said Silver. “In hindsight, recruiting was really valuable to me because I had to learn how to perform under pressure in both an athletic and conversational way.”

The recruiting process helped her beyond athletics. It taught her confidence, communication skills, and how to stay composed in high-stake situations, something she will take with her long after her athletic career. 

“Cat always says, ‘Hard work beats talent.’ That message is something that really resonated with me on and off the field and is something I will carry with me after I leave high school,” said Silver.

Silver never faltered in making sure to put in the hard work, day in and day out. Even during the off-season, she stayed committed to training and stayed focused on what was ahead. She earned her role in both sports as a dependable role player; she understands her responsibilities on the team and consistently executes them. 

 It’s not just her stats that make her stand out; it’s her dedication to improvement that makes her different. 

“Being a captain alongside Phoebe, I get to see firsthand how much heart and commitment she brings to the game every single day. She leads by example, lifts everyone around her, and gives everything she has to the team,” said fellow lacrosse captain Claire Borega. “Her passion, determination, and leadership are what make her truly deserving of everything she has achieved.”

If it’s true that pressure makes diamonds, then in that case, Phoebe Silver sure is one of a kind. 

“Phoebe thrives under pressure; she seems to play her best when her team needs her most. In addition to her ability to step up under pressure, one of the biggest things Phoebe does is help her teammates find a way to step up alongside her,” said Catanazaro. 

As last year’s Female Athlete of the Year, Lulu Keil understands the dedication required to pursue athletics at the collegiate level. After playing alongside her for 3 years, Keil can attest to Phoebe’s exceptional work ethic and relentless drive. 

“From the second Phoebe made the team freshman year, I knew she was special. She was immediately excited and eager to learn what it took to earn her spot on the field,” said Keil.  

Silver had the opportunity to play alongside skilled athletes and, through them, learned to thrive in such a competitive environment. The reason she was so glad to make the teams at a young and impressionable age is that she got to learn from some of the best to come through the program. She attributes her ambition to compete to four key role models who also took their talents to the next level: Autumn Rabjohns and Lainey O’Neil in tennis and Caroline Keil and Chelsea Tzau in lacrosse. 

“These captains set such great examples, and I was able to learn so much from them. My coaches have also shaped the way I approach every game and practice I go into,” said Silver. “They put in so much work on their own time in order to prepare our team so we can put our best foot forward.” 

Three years later, she’s become that same leader she once looked up to. Her talent and drive have influenced those under her and those leading beside her.  

“Phoebe has always been a big piece to our team. Whether that’s cheering us on or giving me good advice. She has always been there to support me and is someone I look up to,” said sophomore teammate Haley Helfrich.

As Silver’s high school career comes to an end, she leaves behind a mark that future athletes will have the privilege to look up to. Her name and legacy will remain in the program and be remembered by the next generations of Scouts. One message, however, is what Coach Cat hopes younger athletes will resonate with, anchored in Silver’s lasting influence. 

“Effort over everything. It does not matter how good you are; you can always get better. Do not trade being good for being great.”