Auburn-bound Justus Perry, a junior infielder from Prior Lake High in Minnesota, had a great summer in 2014 capped off by helping her Birmingham Thunderbolts 97 team finish in the top 10 at the PGF 16U Nationals.

In today’s blog, she looks back to ’14 and some of her favorite accomplishments and looks ahead to this year and what she hopes to accomplish at the club and high school levels.

Justus is rated as a top 30 rated prospect in the 2016 Hot 100 and is one of the dedicated and passionate club softball players who travel across state borders to practice with her team as she and her father, Mike, regularly travel the 2,000 mile round-trip to and from Birmingham, Ala. to practice and play with the Thunderbolts.

Perry has been a 2^nd team “AAA” All-State selection the last two years for one of Minnesota’s top high school teams and is committed to Auburn in the same state where her club team practices.

It was at the 2013 PGF Nationals where we first met the talented sophomore and learned about an unusual talent she has for being able to take any word and immediately repeat it backwards! Check out this video to see Justus in action!

Also, be sure to follow Justus’ blogs and all those from our other great bloggers!

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Last year was one of the most challenging, yet most rewarding years of my softball career.

Playing for the Birmingham Thunderbolts in the summer was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I learned a lot about myself, I grew up a little, I met some lifelong friends, and I’m a better softball player and person for it.

Although it was extremely difficult to leave home for two months and live in Alabama, my teammates and I made some unforgettable memories. We lost only three games all Summer, one in Colorado and two at PGF nationals before finishing in the top 10 there.

I also attended several Auburn softball camps throughout the year.

Over Christmas break, my family and I left on Christmas day for Auburn, Ala., with a short stop at Pensacola Beach. My family and I have not been home on Christmas day for three years straight, as we have previously traveled to Arizona State when I was committed there in 2012 and Auburn the last two years.

Traveling on the holidays are experiences I will never forget. I still get and open a lot of presents, but in my opinion, traveling makes our family grow closer and family is the best present anyone could ever ask for.

It also helps me appreciate how lucky I am to have people in my life that constantly support me.

For 2015, my goals and expectations have only grown from last year.

As high school ball is right around the corner, my goal for our team is to compete in a section championship game and to win a state championship.

Although playing softball in Minnesota has its challenges—from the long harsh winter to often practicing inside to the challenge of getting our 20 league games in when several games are always cancelled because of weather.

Presently, I continue to work out three days a week with my trainer, hit with my batting coach and dad three to four days a week, help teach my community kids the game of softball in clinics and play two softball games on Sunday mornings with my high school team in a dome league.

Dome softball games before the high school season begins are a great way to start building team cohesion and start working on the little things that could matter the most in games during the season.

I believe 2015 is going to be a big year full of many achievements, lots of traveling and higher standards and expectations.

Once again I will be living in Alabama for two months and will leave after high school ends. I can’t wait to see my Thunderbolt teammates again, and, of cours,e the Alabama summer heat!

” ynam sgniht era nworht ruo yaw ni siht emag fo efil. s’ti woh uoy laed htiw meht taht swohs ruoy eurt retcarahc. ” – May Walter

War Eagle!!!

–Justus Perry (@Justus_Perry18)