Juliana Hooker signs to play college softball. {Courtesy}
By: Matt Rothman
Coral Springs native Juliana Hooker officially signed her letter of intent to play college softball in the Big-10 at the University of Illinois after graduating from Pompano Beach High School in 2022.
“I have finally committed to my dream,” Hooker said. “I have been wanting to play Power-5 softball for as long as I can remember, and now that dream is coming to a reality.”
Hooker has been on the varsity softball team for three years and has a career ERA of 1.86. She has won 15 games and struck out 178 while also hitting .450 at the plate with three home runs, nine doubles, three triples, 45 RBI’s, and 61 runs scored.
“Juliana Hooker’s tall frame caught our attention at a national tournament this past summer,” said Illinois Head Coach Tyra Perry in a press release. “She is a drop ball pitcher who has the movement and velocity to dominate in our league.”
Hooker began playing co-ed baseball in Coral Springs when she was six and recreational softball at seven. She then started travel with the Boca Impact, Coconut Creek Crush, and the Coral Springs Panthers before playing on a travel team in Tampa, playing under Assistant Coach at the University of South Carolina, Kevin Maguire, one of her biggest role models.
After visiting Illinois, she felt as soon as she got there, it felt like home. Also, playing under Coach Perry was something she had hoped for.
“I was so excited that the head coach is a powerful black woman whom I see as a big role model for me,” Hooker added.
Juliana Hooker signs to play college softball. {Courtesy}
After graduating, Hooker will be attending a university that went 24-20 in 2021. However, she still has one more year left on the varsity softball team and hopes to lead Pompano Beach back to the postseason after going 16-6.
Juliana Hooker signs to play college softball. {Courtesy}
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