By Derrick Smith

Athletes work hard in order to compete at their best. So, it is no surprise that throughout an athlete’s career, they have moments that stand out and make an impact on them. JJ Miller says that his favorite moment was a football game from last season.

“Last season we were playing against Hulbert,” he said. “I ended the game with one receiving touchdown, two rushing touchdowns, and a two-point conversion. It was a really great feeling, and it shows how hard work can pay off.”

Miller is a sophomore at Afton High School. Along with football, he also plays basketball, baseball, and runs track. No matter what athletic season it is, Miller knows what it takes in order to be successful.

“It has taken a lot of hard work and time,” he said. “I’ve been up at 6:00 a.m.  and working out by 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. in the summer and then I’d go home and work on my footwork and catching for football, my basketball shot and moves, or my pitching, batting and fielding.”

While he has had a lot of people that have been influences in his life, JJ says that there are two people that have had the biggest impact.

“The biggest role models in my life are my mom and dad,” he stated. “They have always pushed me to be my best in everything I do, and they have supported me in everything I do. I would not be the person or the athlete I am today without them and their support.”

As a student in the classroom, Miller has learned from a number of teachers. But out of all of them, he says that there is one that he would say is his favorite. 

“Paul Sanders is my English teacher,” Miller said. “He has taught me what I need to do to be prepared for college and for what comes after college.”

Along with sports, JJ is also a member of the National Honor Society and the National Society for High School Scholars. He carries a 4.0 GPA and was chosen for All-Conference in baseball as a freshman.