May 28, 2025 — As the school year comes to a close, Woodward Park Middle School is preparing to celebrate one of its brightest stars: eighth grader Shandrella Lynn Balima—affectionately known as “Lily.” A scholar, athlete, and leader, Lily’s time at Woodward Park has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment she arrived in seventh grade, she distinguished herself not only with her academic excellence and athletic achievements, but also with a quiet confidence and a heart for helping others.
“[Lily] is a leader among her peers, and that was evident on the first day she stepped into my classroom,” said Chase Branca, seventh grade social studies teacher and head soccer coach at Woodward Park. “Thoughtful, curious, and polite, Lily led in meaningful group discussions and always helped others reach their full potential in my class.”
After settling in at her new school, Balima buckled down and soared. She earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) for several semesters, participated in core enrichment programs, and was recently nominated as “Best Student All Around” by administration at the school.
“I learned to manage my time,” Balima said. “I’d go to school, then soccer practice, then basketball. Sometimes I’d have to leave early to finish homework, but I made it work.”
Woodward Park’s Assistant Principal Andrew Jackson commended Balima for balancing academics with athletics.
“[Balima] stands out because she truly is one of those all-around great students who puts forth their full effort for any task at hand,” Jackson said. “She seeks out help when needed. If she struggles, she works at it twice as long until she gets it.”
Even with a jam-packed schedule, Balima didn’t just participate in sports–she dominated.
As a middle schooler, she is already a three time City League Champion in three different sports:
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Girls Basketball Champion (2023)
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Track and Field Champion: 1st place in 4x400 Relay (2024)
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Girls Soccer Champion (2024)
“Lily is the most decorated athlete to come through Woodward Park Middle School,” said Matthew Lamos, Woodward Park’s assistant soccer coach and seventh grade math and science teacher. “[She] has maintained excellent grades and has been a role model student the entire time she has been here at Woodward.”
Balima was the only girl on an all-gender soccer team at Woodward Park and scored 15 goals in one season. She has been a part of two different championship winning teams and has won several individual championships with her track and field accomplishments.
“I like being underestimated,” Balima said. “People don’t expect me to go out there and score, but then I do. I show them.”
Balima hopes to continue playing sports beyond high school. Jackson believes she can turn it into a career.
“I look at some of the former students I've worked with in the past such as Jared Sullinger (NBA), Trey Burke (NBA), and Alexis Peterson (WNBA), who have found success as professional athletes, and I can see her name being in that list next,” Jackson said.
Balima’s strong academic and athletic performance is only part of her story. She’s also someone who lifts others up and brings people together. With roots in Burkina Faso, a country in West Africa, Balima is fluent in French and often translates for her peers and family, including her grandmother. She said it makes her feel helpful and proud.
“I like helping people,” Balima said. “It feels good to be the one who can make a difference, even in a small way.”
Family is central to Balima’s identity. She lights up when talking about watching soccer matches at home, movie nights with her grandma, and her mom and godmother’s support and encouragement.
“They’re always telling me, ‘Lily, you can do this,’” Balima said. “So when I’m on the track or field, I hear their voices in the back of my head and it helps. It really motivates me.”
As she prepares to leave Woodward Park and enter high school, Balima reflects on what her school community means to her.
“Woodward Park felt like a family,” Balima said. “To the students coming up, I just want to say, ‘keep pushing.’ Even if it gets hard, even if it feels like you’re at your breaking point, just keep going. You never know how far you can go.”
With exceptional grades, an impressive resume for a soon-to-be freshman, and a powerful sense of identity, Balima is headed to Centennial High School this fall with big dreams and an unparalleled work ethic. Looking ahead to Centennial, Balima is excited–and honest.
“I know I shouldn’t say this,” she laughed, “but I’m mostly excited for the sports and the atmosphere. But I’m also looking forward to science–especially biology and learning more about human life.”
With her talent, character, and drive, Balima is not just heading to high school. She’s laying the groundwork for her promising future.
“Lily is definitely one of those students who you hate to see move on but just know they're going to have an impact on the world,” Lamos said.
