Today we introduce a new blogger to our stable of outstanding contributors: 2016 infielder Justus Perry from Prior Lake, Minn., who has committed to Arizona State and has an interesting perspective being from a state not traditionally known as a softball hotbed. Justus was a 2nd team “AAA” All-State pick this year as a freshman after leading her high school to the state championship game.
In her initial blog she introduces herself, her parents, Mike and Leslie Perry, and talks about change—including joining a new club team that’s about 1,000 miles away!
Click here to see our video interview with Justus at PGF!
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My name is Justus Perry. This is my first post, so I thought I’d tell you a little bit about myself.
I live in a small town in Minnesota called Prior Lake. I’m going to be a sophomore this year and I look forward to every second of it.
This summer I will be playing with the Birmingham Thunderbolts 18U Premier team. Going down to play in Alabama is definitely going to be a sacrifice, not only for me, but for my parents as well.
My parents are truly some of the best people in the world. They are both outstanding police officers.
My mom is an officer at a high school called Burnsville and my dad works for the state; only do they protect their cities with their lives, they have always supported me in everything, not only softball.
Being an only child, you grow really close to your parents. I know they are willing to do anything they can to make me great and I am truly blessed to have them.
This past summer I had one of the best experiences in my life with my summer travel team. I played for the Minnesota Sting 16U Gold and we finished 3rd at PGF Nationals. It was truly an experience I will never forget.
The previous two summers— 2011 and 2012—I had played with the Minnesota Renegades. That team really built me up fundamentally and truly exposed myself to the world of competitive softball.
My dad has always told me, even to this day, that “Change is inevitable.” Whether you like it or not, change is what separates a good player from a great player.
If you can deal well with change, such as changing teams, changing coaches, and changing teammates, you are on your way to becoming great.
Everyone goes through change. This summer I will be playing on my third summer ball team and I’m only 15. It’s definitely been a lot of changes, but ever since I was little I’ve wanted to be the best, the one that everyone talks about, and my Dad told me that change is what gets people there.
Finally, something that helps makes me unique is a very unusual talent I have: I am able to say any word backwards in about a second. It’s a real skill, but also a challenge in reading and writing!
Along those lines, he’s my quote of the day… see if you can figure it out: “toohs rof eht noom… neve fi uoy ssim, ll’ouy dnal gnoma eht srats.”
Justus Perry (@Justus_Perry18)