Zion Vallery '22 Recruiting Profile

Hello!

      My name is Zion Erica Liberty Vallery, but I go by Erica.  I have a twelve year old younger brother, and I grew up playing soccer, but my dad insisted that I try softball.  He told me that I had the physical build for softball, and told me again and again that I would love it and excel at it, if I would just give it a chance.  He was so right.

    This will be my fourth year playing softball, and each year only gets better.  My first year, I was a little shy and did not really know how to play.  I admired the catchers job when I started playing, and thought that it took a lot of courage and skill.  I also thought that it was just outright cool. 

    My second year, I expressed my desire to be a catcher to my parents.  They made a deal with me, that if I would save up half of the money for my gear by doing extra chores, they would pay the remaining half.   I did this, and my journey as a catcher began.  Once I started practicing as a catcher, it did not take long for me to be the primary catcher on my team.  Since then, my love for catching has only grown, along with my love for softball in general.  I take great pride in being able to play as catcher. 

    Since I was a little girl, I have always had a love for animals.  My ultimate dream is to one day become a successful veterinarian.  I hope to one day have my own practice, and maybe even be on TV like Dr. Pol....but without the snakes and spiders.  I can't stand snakes and spiders.

    I also have a deep love for hunting.  I guess I got that from my dad.  I used to bowhunt, and entered competitions with the 4-H club.  I made the decision to move away from 4-H so that I can devote my time and energy to softball and keeping my grades up.  I still enjoy hunting with my rifle, maybe even a little more since it is quicker and easier....and who doesn't love quicker and easier?  My dad still loves to bow hunt, though.  I do not engage in any competitive shooting with my rifle, but I still have a love for hunting.   One of my fondest memories was whenever I was ten or eleven.  I harvested two deer that season.  This may not be a big deal for some, but it sure felt good to me.  This was a very special time in my life, because I harvested both of those deer while hunting with my Uncle, Jay Milstead.  Uncle Milstead passed away two years ago due to a tragic hunting accident that was not his fault.  He was the greatest hunter that I have ever known.  I loved him dearly, and miss him very much...especially when the weather turns cool, and hunting season approaches.  I called him the "Deer Whisperer."  Once Uncle Jay passed, I have not really had the time to hunt like I used to, but I still love it.  My dad hunts and fishes quite a lot, but that is the way it is in Louisiana.

    I am also in a club called Junior Beta.  Junior Beta is an exclusive club for students who are considered well-behaved, and maintain good grades throughout the year.  You must be nominated to be in Junior Beta by your teachers and peers.  I have been in Junior Beta ever since I started Junior High School.  Last year, I entered a woodworking project at a statewide competition for Junior Beta members.  I took first place. I was so astonished that I cried.  That was a record year for Junior Beta attendance, with a total of thirteen thousand students present.  This year was also fun.  I did not place, but I had a really good time with my friends.  On the way back home from the competition, I got to stop and by a baby Cockatiel that I had been saving up for.  He is the fattest, cutest little bird I have every seen.

    It is my intention to play softball at the highest level possible, and earn scholarships that will allow me to fulfil my dream of becoming a successful veterinarian.  I understand that it will be difficult, with a lot of blood, sweat, and tears.  Competition is fierce, but none more fierce than I.  I am determined, and I will not fail.  I am not in this for the cute softball pictures on Facebook.  I am in this for the long game...a valuable tool that I will continue to nurture and grow day by day.