From Benchwarmer to Big Shot: How Lilly Meister’s Confidence Is Saving IU Women’s Basketball
For the Indiana Hoosiers women’s basketball team, Friday night wasn’t just another game — it was a statement. And at the center of it all was Lilly Meister, a player once seen as a quiet contributor, now emerging as a force the Hoosiers can’t afford to ignore. In a season where consistency has wavered, it turns out the secret weapon wasn’t a seasoned veteran or a star recruit — it was Meister, fueled by a newfound confidence that has completely changed the game.
“She was feeding off the good juice,” head coach Teri Moren joked after the game, referencing Meister’s electric performance. But it was more than just a good night; it was a turning point. Meister came off the bench with a fire that couldn’t be contained, dominating in the paint, grabbing crucial rebounds, and refusing to back down against the opposition’s toughest defenders.
This wasn’t the same Lilly Meister who quietly filled minutes earlier in the season. No, this was a player who believed she belonged — and she made sure everyone else believed it too. It was evident from the moment she hit her first shot. With each basket, her teammates fed her the ball more, trusting her to make plays. Confidence is contagious, and on Friday night, Meister was the spark IU desperately needed.
For a team that’s struggled with consistency in recent games, finding an emerging star at this stage of the season is game-changing. If the Hoosiers want to make a deep postseason run, they need this version of Meister — aggressive, confident, and relentless.
The message is clear: Keep feeding Lilly Meister that “good juice.” IU’s season might just depend on it.
