Auburn-bound Justus Perry, a junior infielder from Prior Lake High in Minnesota, had a great summer capped off by helping her Birmingham Thunderbolts 97 team finish in the top 10 at this year’s PGF 16U Nationals.
Justus is rated as a top 30 rated prospect in the 2016 Hot 100 and is one of the very small, but extremely 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.
The Minnesota junior has been a 2nd team “AAA” All-State selection the last two years for one of the state’s top 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!
*****
Every athlete thanks their role models, their teammates, and coaches for all they have accomplished.
Only some athletes are extremely blessed to have two wonderful people that would go to the end of the world and back to make them successful.
I’m one of those athletes, but with my parents comes much more: my Mom and Dad are two of the best people you will ever meet!
Growing up, I was completely spoiled. Being an only child, I was constantly given what I wanted or needed to make me happy. When I started playing softball, it was no different.
My dad became my teacher, role model and best friend, My mom cheered at the top of her lungs, at every park I played at.
I am extremely thankful to be able to say my parents never missed a game that I played. My dad never missed coaching a practice and my mom never missed chasing me around the park late at night to try to get me to leave.
Not once have either of my parents ever complained, after countless late nights, early mornings, or even during some of my worst games.
To be able to say I’m committed to my dream school, to my dream coach, is something few athletes get the opportunity to say. Growing up I had always told my parents I had wanted to play Div. I softball and to play softball in the Olympics.
While many people took it as a joke, my parents always stood by my side, always told me I could, always made sure I had everything I needed and more to achieve my wildest dreams.
My parents and their will and desire to make me as successful as I can be, is truly what I am the most thankful for and will be for the rest of my life.
Thank your parents—they’re some of the only people in life that truly want to see you succeed.
And a sincere “Thank you” to Mike and Leslie Perry for making me the person—and athlete— I am today.
I would be nowhere without two of my best friends and role models.
“yllufknaht, smaerd nac egnahc. Fi ew dah lla kcuts htiw ruo tsirf smaerd, eht dlrow dluow eb nurrevo htiw syobwoc dna sessecnirp.” -Stephen Colbert
“mi lufetearg rof siht tnemom, eht won, on rettam tahw mrof ti sekat.” – Eckhart Tolle
WAR EAGLE!
–Justus Perry (@Justus_Perry18)