It’s been a brutal high school softball season in Minnesota according to Auburn-bound Justus Perry, a 2016 infielder from Prior Lake High, as more than half their games were impacted by weather.

But soon the outstanding athlete will be experiencing a completely opposite climate as she’ll begin her summer club routine of traveling with her father the 2,000 mile round-trip to and from Birmingham, Ala. to practice on the weekends with her Birmingham Thunderbolts team.

Perry was a 2^nd team “AAA” All-State selection as a freshman last year and a key force on the Prior Lake High team which made it to the state championship game in 2013.

Justus had originally committed to Arizona State, but with the coaching change and Clint Myers now at Auburn, she’s headed to the SEC and will play in the same state where her club team practices.

Also, this past summer at the PGF Nationals, we 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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As we come to the end of the 2014, high school softball season here in Prior Lake, Minnesota, I look back on the 20 regular season games we have played.

More than half of the games were played through some snow, rain and 40 degree temperatures.

Several of our games were cancelled due to rain or poor field conditions and just this week, we had another indoor practice, which has become the norm this year.

The start of defending last year’s section championship began on Thursday and our goal of getting back to the State Championship game helps bring a little sunshine to what has become a dreary spring softball season.

For me, the thought of living this summer in Alabama has already crept into my mind. Being with my teammates, traveling and training to get better is a reality now and not a dream.

My dad has me working out in a local gym’s sauna to prepare for the climate change I’m going to experience in just a few short weeks.

I promised my dad that, then I’m there practicing with the Bolts, I will drink plenty of water and Gatorade and eat Chick-fil-A only once a week!

I’m looking forward to the travel, the hotels, the competition and finally some warm weather, too.

As I mentor young softball player here in Prior Lake, they always ask me, “How can you leave home for the summer?” I tell them, “It’s easy, it’s a chance to learn, to make new friends and to begin the process of preparing for college.”

All of which will help me grow as a player and a person.

–Justus Perry (@Justus_Perry18)