Meet Addison Perdue, the Stroll Barboursville Athlete of the Month. With a passion for softball that ignited at a young age, Addison's journey is not only defined by her impressive plays in the outfield but also by the unwavering support of her family and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way.

Addison, a 17-year-old senior at Cabell Midland High School, and the daughter of Doug and Tara Perdue, Addison is part of a close-knit family that includes her older brother, Jason, a graduate of Marshall University, and her younger sister, Mia, an 8-year-old attending Martha Elementary. The Perdue Family, who live in the Esquire Golf Course neighborhood, is completed by their French Bulldog, Nova.

Softball became a part of Addison's life at the age of 6, following in the footsteps of her older brother, Jason, who played baseball. "I was always at the ball field with my family watching my older brother play baseball and decided I wanted to try to play," Addison shares. Her journey in the sport spans an impressive 12 years, starting with tee ball at the tender age of 5.

Reflecting on her coaches, Addison acknowledges the impact each one had on her development. "I can't pick just one. They were all great in their own ways," she says. Her little league coaches laid the foundation, while her travel ball and high school coaches provided continuous support and guidance.

For Addison, the strength of her team lies in their resilience. "My favorite thing about our team is that we never give up," she emphasizes. Having played with many of her teammates for years, their familiarity and shared determination led them to championship victories, pushing through challenges during the past season.

The accolades Addison has earned include; representing Team USA at 11 years old, receiving All MSAC Honorable Mention and securing a spot on the All-Tournament team in the 2023 WV State tournament. Notably, she played a crucial role in Cabell Midland's WV State Championship during her freshman year. This is her favorite moment thus far in her softball career.

Through her softball journey, Addison has learned that the game is as much mental as it is physical. "Softball is a mental game, and you have to believe and have confidence in yourself to perform well," she emphasizes. The competitiveness, the adrenaline from getting a good hit, or making a good play, and the camaraderie of being part of a team are aspects she cherishes the most.

Looking ahead, Addison plans to attend West Virginia University, where she aspires to pursue a degree in the medical field. She offers the following advice for those aspiring to enter the world of softball, "It is a mental game. Work hard, never give up, and have confidence in yourself. That’s the only way to succeed."

As Addison Perdue continues to make strides in softball, her dedication, resilience, and love for the game shine through, setting her on a path to success both on and off the field.