A senior at Perry High School, Joely Kukuk plays pitcher and outfield for the school’s softball team. Any time she steps out on the field to compete, she works to be the best that she can be for herself and her team.
“It takes a lot to be a successful athlete,” she stated. “It takes consistently putting in work and trying to help the team achieve our goals. One of my biggest motivations is my love for the game of softball.”
There have been many people in Joely’s life that have helped her along the way to become the person that she is today.
“Some of my biggest role models are all of my coaches over the years,” she said. “They have influenced me and contributed to the player that I am. A teacher that has had the biggest impact on me was my freshman math teacher, Mrs. Kennedy. Not only is she a great teacher, but she has helped me grow as a person overall.”
The teammates that she competes alongside during the season also play a role in helping Kukuk improve as a softball player. She has one teammate though that she has known for a long time and they like to have friendly competitions.
“Alliyah Shrum would have to be the teammate I like to go against the most in practice,” she said. “When we are working in the outfield, we always try to one-up each other’s throws because we have known each other since we were little and know it’s all good fun.”
When she and her teammates step out onto the field to play, it does not matter who is on the schedule, they are ready to compete. But Joely says that there is one group that is the most fun to get a win against.
“I don’t have a favorite opponent to beat but I really enjoy when we beat teams that are in a higher classification because we aren’t expected to win.”
Wearing the Perry softball uniform is something special to Kukuk and not to be taken lightly.
“I am very honored to carry on the tradition of hard work and excellence shown by past teams and the community.”
Along with playing softball, Joely is also involved in the National Honor Society and the Diamond Dolls.
