When Tori Johnson was only 4 years old, she started to play softball. It only took one sweet swing for her to realize that softball was the sport for her.

Now a rising junior at Clinton High School, Johnson reflected back on her time as a softball player during a recent interview.

“This past season we had a game against Midway where I was pitching and I wasn’t doing too good out on the mound so my teammates called a timeout and they just reminded me that I could do it, to just not worry as much and not get down on myself,” expressed Johnson.

Tori plays catcher and pitcher for the varsity softball team at CHS.

“My team is very supportive of me and of each other; we always have each other’s backs,” stated Johnson.

One of the most memorable games she had happened this past season.

“It was my last home game and my Papaw, who passed away in March, couldn’t always be there because he drives trucks, but he surprised me and showed up to it,” said Johnson. “My Papaw was always my biggest fan. He would always tell me I could do it and to keep my head up.”

Johnson is described by teammates and coaches as a “utility player, great hitter, great attitude, great team player.”

Johnson believes that aside from holding the position of catcher and pitcher, she is also a motivator for her team.

“I like to get the team hyped up whenever we’re down or even before games,” she said. “Just get everyone ready to play and in the right mindset that we’re there to win.”

The honors student hopes that next season the team will be able to smoothly transition into the season and continue the success they’ve had. Even though Tori has been playing softball since she was big enough to hold a bat, she intends on pursuing a career in nursing when she graduates high school.

One of her favorite hobbies is photography, another hopeful pursuit for the future.

“I took prom pictures for my cousin and brother and I really enjoyed the process of it all,” Johnson remarked.

Johnson enjoys hanging out with her friends, going to the beach and spending time with her grandmother.

Johnson
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Tori-mug.jpgJohnson

Clinton High’s Tori Johnson celebrates on the diamond.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_tori.jpgClinton High’s Tori Johnson celebrates on the diamond. Courtesy photo

Brittany Escalera

Staff Intern