Rising Star Lily Haws Shines at U18 Curling National Championships

A remarkable achievement in the world of curling has emerged from a small town in Illinois. Lily Haws, a teenager from Triumph, has made headlines after her performance at the January 2025 USA Curling U18 National Championships in Lafayette, Colorado. Competing with her team, Lily helped secure a silver medal, showcasing her talent in a sport often viewed as niche by the general public.

Curling, which involves sliding stones on ice towards a target while teammates sweep the path, is not just a game of leisure. It requires precision, strategy, and teamwork. For Lily, a freshman at Dixon High School, this sport has become a passion cultivated over six years at the Waltham Curling Club, the oldest curling club in Illinois, established in 1884.

A Journey from Novice to National Competitor

Lily’s journey began with a simple curiosity about the sport. Initially, she thought curling was just rolling a stone towards a circle. After attending a bonspiel, a curling tournament, her interest blossomed. “I wasn’t into it at first, but I started practicing every Sunday and realized, ‘Okay, this is cooler,’” she recalled.

As her skills improved, Lily began competing at a national level, culminating in her participation with the Midwest Curling Association’s U18 national team. This team included fellow Waltham member Mae Hagenbuch and teammates from North Dakota and Wisconsin.

During the championship, which began on January 9, the team advanced through rigorous matches. They secured their semifinal position by defeating the Grand National Curling Club of Plainfield, New Jersey, with a score of 8-4. However, they faced a tough competition in the final against Team Johnson from St. Paul, Minnesota, ultimately finishing second with a score of 9-4.

Support from Family and Community

Family support has been crucial to Lily’s development as a curler. Her parents, Nicholas and Angela Haws, are also avid curlers. Nicholas is not only a board member of the Waltham Curling Club but also coaches junior members. “It’s been fun watching her develop,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of experience in the sport.

Lily’s participation in adult league play allowed her to learn from seasoned curlers. “I’m one of the youngest bonspielers, and it’s really fun,” she said, reflecting on the supportive environment of her club. “People are surprised when they see me play, and it feels great to prove them wrong.”

As she prepares for high school, Lily is excited about applying skills from her studies in geometry and physics to enhance her curling technique. “I’m always fixing stuff,” she noted, highlighting her commitment to continuous improvement.

The U18 championship experience was not only about competition for Lily. She relished the opportunity to engage with peers from across the country, including teams from Alaska and other states. “It was so cool to see actual mountains and meet other teams,” she said, describing the event as a memorable adventure.

Back home, the Haws family continues to bond over curling. They recently took part in the club’s Mixed Bonspiel, finishing as runners-up in the third event. For Lily, competing alongside her family and new teammates enriches her love for the sport. “Being with others and discussing curling is neat,” she shared. “I learned a lot from my U18 team, even though they were mostly new to me.”

Lily reflects on her journey with pride, recalling a time when she envisioned herself excelling in curling. “Younger me would be so proud of what I’ve accomplished,” she said, a testament to her growth and dedication.

For those interested in exploring the sport of curling, the Waltham Curling Club offers opportunities for newcomers. More information can be found on their website or by contacting the club directly.