Semoball Awards: Justi Nelson fulfills dream

The 2023 Semoball Awards completed a goal for Jackson soccer player, Justi Nelson.

Ever since her freshman year, the Jackson standout dreamed of winning the Semoball Award.

“I remember just wanting to win it ever since my freshman year,” Nelson said. “It really pushed me to get to that goal.”

That dream was fulfilled at the 2023 Semoball Awards presented by SoutheastHEALTH on Friday, July 14, at LaCroix Church in Cape Girardeau as Nelson won the Cook, Barkett, Ponder and Wolz Girls Soccer Athlete of the year award.

“It means a lot to my family,” Nelson said. “Especially because my oldest sister won it too so it’s really just a wholesome moment.”

Nelson, a senior on this years Jackson soccer team, said winning the award her senior year makes it more special.

“It was just a great feeling,” Nelson said. “It’s really a testimony to my parents, my coaches and my teammates I’ve had that have been along for the ride and pushing me.”

On top of winning the award, Nelson’s Indians went 17-2 during the 2023 season and hosted a state quarterfinal game as well as a district championship game.

“Winning the district championship was such a cool experience,” Nelson said. “Being able to share it with everyone and especially Coach McMullen (was special).”

Over the last four years at Jackson, Nelson said she has grown to love the game more.

“I’ve realized that eventually it all will come to an end,” Nelson said. “Over the past four years my mindset has gotten better. The technical skill and all that stuff comes with time and practice but the mindset is the thing that has really changed the most.”

While Nelson knows eventually her soccer career will come to an end, that time isn’t now. She will go on to Southeast Missouri State where she will play collegiate soccer under her parents, Heather, SEMO head coach and Paul Nelson, SEMO associate head coach.

“I’m super excited for it,” Nelson said. “My mom is a great coach and I’m glad I get to lean on her.”

Nelson and the Redhawks are in full swing with summer training and Nelson said she has already noticed a difference between the high school and college level.

“I’m exhausted,” Nelson said. “We have training from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. Putting all the work in is definitely new but I would say the best thing about it is being with a group full of girls who all love the same thing. I love the sport and it’s great to be around everyone because you know when you go to practice that not only are you putting in all your effort, but so is every single girl on the field.”

Nelson and the Redhawks will travel to Champaign, Illinois at 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 6, for an exhibition match with the Fighting Illini.