By Derrick Smith
There is a lot of work that goes into an athlete being the best they can be. And this is true, no matter what level of competition they compete in. Whether it is a professional athlete or a high school student athlete, like Boston Berry, they have to be willing to work to achieve their goals.
“It takes a lot of hard work in order to be the best,” she said. “You also have to have patience, a good attitude, and the knowledge of what your role is. I always know that I can depend on my teammates as well.”
Berry, who is a VYPE Top 100 selectee, is a junior at Jones high school. She plays multiple sports for the Lady Longhorns. She can switch between guard and forward on the basketball court and shortstop on the softball field. As a member of the track team, she runs the 4×100, 4×200, and 4×400 relays. While she enjoys all three of these sports, Boston says that there is one sport that she does not play anymore that she really loved.
“I played football for six years and I loved it,” she said. “I played at running back, quarterback and wide receiver, safety , kick off , and kick off return, and I was the punter. I led the team in touchdowns and tackles. I didn’t want to quit playing , but my high school basketball coach asked me to retire.”
Throughout her career, Berry has had numerous people that have impacted her life. But out of all of them, she says that there is one that made an impact on her in elementary school and it still sticks with her today.
“Mrs. Kandice Bentley was the fourth grade math teacher at Jones,” she said. “I was a quiet , serious girl and she accepted me. She was patient and always had a smile for me. She also never gave up trying to give me hugs when I only started hugging this past year.”
Berry has had some memorable moments as an athlete, but she said making school history would have to be the best.
“My favorite memory would have to be winning Jones’ first ever state championship in basketball,” she recalled. “It was a great moment and I was glad to get to share it with my teammates.”
