The Emerald Coast is known for its competitive softball and there is another program on the rise trying to make its mark. The Pace High School Patriots under the leadership of first year Head Coach Greg Rice are determined to battle their way to the top. One of the biggest reasons these ladies are making a move is Second Baseman Dakota Berry. Although she will be moving on to the next level, Dakota has been a big part of the change at Pace.
This leader on the diamond has worked hard to achieve the success she has attained. A crowning reward to her dedication is receiving a softball scholarship to Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama. It has not come easy for her. The program underwent a coaching change prior to her senior season and academics have demanded their share of her time which has resulted in her being on the A/B Honor Roll. According to Coach Rice, he would take 9 more Dakota Berry’s due to her competitiveness and smart ball play.
Dakota plans on majoring in pre-physical therapy at Faulkner University, with future goals of becoming a physical therapist. She set her mind on this profession after undergoing 6 months of rehabilitation on her own shoulder in the off season. One of her goals is to be the first person in her family to graduate from college. This leads to the other part of her story which makes her that much more special.
Dakota’s parents Carla and Eric are both deaf. Their three children Elizabeth, Dakota, and younger brother Nathan all have normal hearing. Even with her parent’s disability, they have not let it stand in their way of giving their children every chance they can. Dakota say her parents have been there for her and totally support her in pursuing her goals. Her mother’s sister “Aunt Tam” has also played a big part in her and her sibling lives. Mother Carla is a little sad to see Dakota leaving home to go away to school this upcoming fall like most moms when their children leave the home. She chuckles that her father Eric claims he is just going to go live with her in Montgomery so he will not miss any of her games.
The softball field has been a form of escape of this student-athlete. The game has challenged her to get better each day and to continue to grow. She contributes a lot of her improvement to Dennis Roesle, her recruiting consultant, who urged her to continue to keep working harder to become the player a college program would want to have playing for them. Growing up watching her parents work for everything they have and to raise three children inspired her to develop a work ethic too. Also the support and friendship of her teammates and coaches motivates her to strive to succeed.
At 18 years old Dakota has gained a perspective that many people do not gain till much later in life. She has focused on her goals and what she wants to achieve and is determined to reach them. Carla and Eric have taught her to not let anything hold her back and the sport of softball have instilled in her the discipline and the will to win. Not just on the diamond but in the game of life, Dakota Berry is STRIVING TO EXCEL!
June 2016/Emerald Coast
Pace High School
Written and Photo by: Arnold Gamber
Striving to Excel
