Purdue commit Julianna Verni looking to make the most of full season
BUFFALO, N.Y. (BVM) – Nardin Academy’s Julianna Verni would have to wait longer than most to get her opportunity to step on the high school softball diamond. After missing time between a back injury and a pandemic–affected softball season, Verni wouldn’t get her chance on the high school mound until her third season.
“It was very weird to say that my first year of playing high school wasn’t until my junior year,” Verni said.
After originally cracking the varsity roster her freshman year, Verni’s opening season plans were quickly spoiled after the discovery of an injury shortly after tryouts. Following some issues with overuse and mechanics, Verni’s freshman campaign would come from the sidelines instead after fracturing her (L5) vertebrae. The next few months entailed a slower rehab process.
“The rehab was tough because many doctors would say, do absolutely nothing,” Verni said. “Physically, I was limited in what I could comfortably do for the rehab. I probably wasn’t in full playing mode for around four months. It was much longer than I had expected and I tried not to rush through it.”
As Verni headed into winter workouts her sophomore year at 100%, things had begun to line up for the returning ace to take over the starting pitching spot. After once again landing on the varsity squad following tryouts, Verni would again face an early end to her season with the pandemic closing the spring sports period.
With extra time now available, Verni would make it a priority to stay busy, attending the facilities when open and adjusting the mechanical aspects of her game that she could tinker with. The time off would lend to a return during the summer when the Nardin pitcher got back on the field with her travel softball team.
Verni’s summer traveling would not only help her get back on the field, but assist with getting back in the recruiting cycle. As things progressed in both avenues throughout the time, Verni would finally get her chance to take the mound in her junior season. With the road back taking much longer than expected, the Nardin Academy pitcher wouldn’t take her return to action for granted.
“It was awesome to get back with my catcher (Sophia Will) – and those relationships that we built through Covid,” Verni said. “I was just really excited to be back with teammates in person [and] get back playing again.”
Those relationships would come in handy for the team’s return as Verni and the Gators enjoyed an impressive 2021 campaign. Behind her 44 innings pitched, Verni would hold opposing hitters to just a .135 batting average, while racking up 89 strikeouts on the year. The dominant season on the mound would prove to be pivotal as Nardin topped the Monsignor Martin League standings heading into postseason action.
The team’s solid regular season would lead to a matchup against St. Mary’s of Lancaster as the two teams battled for the Monsignor Martin championship. With a strong performance, and two hits from Verni, the Gators’ efforts would end up coming up short in the team’s 11-9 loss.
Even with the defeat, Verni’s return to the high school diamond wouldn’t be soured.
“Just seeing the support of everyone who helped me through my back injury, my [coaches], family, friends, everything, just to be able to go out there and see how much it meant not only to me but to them, just reminded me how valuable the time is you have around these people,” Verni said.
The comeback season was important for the Buffalo native who believes the experience she gained working with her teammates will help out going forward. With the past couple of months to work, Verni has entered her senior year looking to build off of the team’s prior success. With a taste of playoff action, Verni is hoping this season they can take things further.
“With the weight off my shoulders of committing to my school and making that decision, I’m just looking to embrace what I’ve worked on all winter,” Verni said. “I just [want to] go out there and dominate as much as I can with the people that I love, doing what I love.”
At the conclusion of her senior year, Verni will head to Purdue after passing on other colleges due to her connection to the program and coaching staff. Following visits elsewhere, Verni was ready to call West Lafayette home after getting a feel for the school’s family atmosphere.
“It felt like a very family–oriented program and school,” Verni said. “It felt like one big community which stood out to me. Compared to other programs that I had seen, Purdue just really stood out for me with that family aspect because I know how important family is for me.”
Verni will join a loaded incoming group as Purdue boasts one of the top classes in the nation. Joining the experienced group is something the Nardin senior can’t wait for.
“They are a really great program, a really great developing program,” Verni said. “With my class we are a top-10 recruiting class this year… I’m just looking forward to meeting all those talented people and being able to work with them.”
