The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Cheshire’s Juodaitis shined on diamond
She may be one of the nicest kids outside of the sporting arena, but inside is a totally different story. With a will to compete and win which ranks behind no one, Mia Juodaitis completed her high school career as one of the most talented players Cheshire has ever seen.
Luckily for the Rams, Juodaitis was on their side.
Juodaitis, a solid shortstop and leadoff hitter for the Rams, has been a name associated with Cheshire opponents over the last four years. Those opponents, whether in volleyball, basketball, or softball, will be happy to hear she is finally off to college.
Not that those coaches did not appreciate her special talents, but Juodaitis was one of the toughest competitors opponents had to see on a regular basis.
“I think it was her natural ability,” Cheshire coach Kristine Drust said. “Her natural ability never hindered her from working hard. She just worked and wanted more. She was just a natural out there. Whatever we gave her, she wanted more. She just craved it. She lives, breathes and loves sports. She loves being an athlete.”
During the spring season, it was the softball programs throughout the area who were reminded of how talented Juodaitis was. For her efforts this spring, Juodaitis has been named the Register Area Most Valuable Player.
“I just focused on the little things,” Juodaitis said. “I always want to get better. I try to stay humble. I love being with my
team. It makes me work harder. I really like to win in anything I do. I give 100 percent effort. I love to play sports and I have fun with it.”
The offensive numbers for Juodaitis during the 2019 season speak for themselves. The senior had a .410 batting average with 37 hits, hit a single season school record 12 home runs, and drove in 36 runs.
“I think her success was just part of watching her natural progression,” Drust said. “She just had that experience and maturity to play at a high level. She was a freshman starter on a state championship team, which is not easy to do. She has a passion for the game. She appreciates the game of softball and had control of herself. Everyone could see that when she played against them.”
Said Cheshire assistant softball coach Jaymie Sommers. “Mia is just one of those kids who always looked to get better. It makes it easy with the love and passion she has for the game. She was with us for four years, and each year, she would look to get to the next level. Her motivation is through the roof. In between seasons and playing her other sports, you would see her in the weight room. That stood out to Kristine (Drust) and I. Even between seasons, she was putting in work to help her team.”
For her efforts, Juodaitis was named to the AllSouthern Connecticut Conference first team and AllState first team. She was named the Southern Connecticut Conference Player of the Year, and was named the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Positional and Overall Player of the Year.
“She was locked in,” Sommers said. “Every pitch, every play, every at bat, she was absolutely locked in. You could tell by her body language and her movement on every pitch. She expected every ball to come to her.”
Said Juodaitis, “It was amazing to play shortstop for us. I had to be a leader in all three seasons. I learned some great things from all of my coaches, including volleyball and basketball. I led the best I could. I thought it was easy to do with such an amazing group of girls. I tried to lead by example. I love our team. We are all such great friends. This is a great program to be a part of. The coaches are really into it and you can see their dedication.
“I never really looked at one of my strengths as being a home run hitter. It was nice to get a few, but I was just trying to take everything game by game.”
The multisport star will take her talents and play softball at Providence next season. Originally thought to be going a short distance from home at Quinnipiac University, the road will now take Juodaitis to Rhode Island.
“Things did not work out with Quinnipiac,” Juodaitis said. “I love the school (Providence) and the coaching staff. I am excited to start something new.”
If her past records are any indication, the Friars will be getting a hardworking player who is eager to learn in and out of the class room.