SOFTBALL: How Inola alum Walker became Baylor’s leader in the circle

STILLWATER — Before Lillie Walker ever donned Baylor green, coach Glenn Moore knew there was something different about the Inola native.

It was a high-pressure moment — full count, bases loaded — when Walker, still with Duke, calmly delivered a strike to escape the jam. That sequence cemented in Moore’s mind that Walker was not only talented but composed, confident and coachable.

CoachMoore2.jpg

Baylor coach Glenn Moore

Those traits made her a natural fit for a Baylor team looking for a steady presence in the circle.

“As I watched her from that point on, I saw the confidence the coach had in her in bringing her in against Florida State and some other crucial situations,” said Moore, who is in his 25th year at Baylor.

Since joining the Bears, Walker has delivered in ways that have even surprised Moore.

Although not originally expected to pitch deep into games, she has become a go-to starter in critical moments, including two complete-game outings against powerhouse Oklahoma State over the weekend.

Her style — a mix of low-60s movement and pinpoint control — draws comparisons to MLB great Greg Maddux, using finesse over velocity to keep hitters off balance.

“I really didn't anticipate that she'd be able to go complete games against great lineups, mainly because I hadn't seen her do that,” Moore said. “She hadn't done it that much — they didn't need her to do that at Duke. But we've had to call on her to do that as of late, and she's come through for us, for sure, and gives us a chance every time she's out there.”

Moore lauds Walker not only for her performances, but also for her leadership.

He sees her as a coach on the field — mature, intelligent and unfazed by adversity. Her ability to eat innings has been crucial for a team still working to stabilize its bullpen.

“She never gets rattled,” Moore said. “She's constantly in the game around the plate. A smart pitcher with high intellect, she’s just a warrior out there. We really appreciate the fact that she’s answering the call. We need to get her more offense, is all. She wins that game if we get her more offense in regulation. I just couldn't be happier with what she's doing. She's been a bright spot in a struggling bullpen, for sure.”

While the Bears continue to search for more offensive production to support her efforts, Moore is grateful to have a player like Walker, who has a poise about her that inspires confidence in the team and coaching staff.

In an era where consistency and character can be hard to find, Walker, he says, embodies both.

“I’m just blessed to be around such a quality person and great family,” Moore said. “Coaching athletes at this day and age can be a challenge, so it's nice when you have one that's almost like a coach on the field herself.

“We’re just really blessed to have her here.”