Senior athletes are at that stage in the school year, deciding whether to continue or retire from their sport. Many of these athletes have been playing a specific sport their whole lives, but it’s a different story for senior Andrew Lim. From trying out basketball, swimming and soccer as a little kid, he knew none of these sports were made for him. At the age of 10, he found his sport. From watching the Cubs win the 2016 World Series, Lim was motivated and excited to start something new.
Starting in the fall of 2025, Lim will attend the D1 Juco Mchenry County College to play baseball and study biology. After a year there, he plans to transfer to a four-year D1 college to continue his academic and athletic career.
Lim is not only a baseball player but is also deeply involved in his community. From being part of his church community to participating in DECA and HOSA at West, Lim has achieved many impressive goals over the years.
Baseball has not only helped Lim improve his skills, but it has also taught him many life lessons that he will carry with him forever. He continues to strive to be a better person and player through baseball.
“Baseball is a very mental game. You have to keep staying positive but with that, there is a lot of failure. Connecting it to life, there are a lot of times where we fail but we have to keep working and get back up. Baseball is tough, but it’s taught me that school and life will be too,” Lim said.
Mitchell Stern, the former head varsity baseball coach and counselor at West, coached Lim for three years. Having known him for a while, Stern has seen Lim’s growth over the years.
“If Lim isn’t playing or thinking about baseball, he’s sleeping. He works hard not only mentally but physically to be a better player. He will train to get 1/10 of a second faster or to have a stronger arm. All the things it takes outside of playing the game, he will spend the time doing,” Stern said.
Baseball has brought Lim many lifelong friendships. Senior Ryan Lee has played with Lim on the baseball team here at West and a travel team. Lee has known Lim since second grade and has created an unbreakable friendship. Lee explains that Lim is a teammate and friend.
“He’s always dedicated and hard-working during practices and games. As a friend, he’s someone I can always count on and trust,” Lee said.
In the spring of 2025, Lim is preparing to play his final high school baseball season. Transitioning from high school sports to college athletics can be challenging for all athletes. Stern offers Lim advice as he goes through this switch.
“Don’t ever give up that passion. The people who make it in a sport are the ones who have never given up on their dreams. They work harder than everyone else and that describes Lim perfectly,” Stern said.
