Article by Grace Frechette. Photo by Kircherphotography.
For Justyce Porter, softball has never been just a sport, it’s been a part of her life for as long as she can remember.
Growing up, the game was always close to home. Her mom played softball her entire life, including at Seattle University, and later became a high school coach. In fact, she was coaching when Justyce was born. Because of that, the softball field quickly became a second home.
Ever since she could pick up a ball and a bat, Justyce has been playing. She started club travel softball at just seven years old and hasn’t stopped since. Looking back, she knows exactly who sparked that passion.
Her mom was her biggest influence. Without her guidance and constant presence around the game, Justyce believes she may have never fallen in love with softball the way she did.
That lifelong connection to the sport led her to St. Cloud State University, where she has spent the past four years building a standout collegiate career as a pitcher. Reflecting on her time there, it’s clear the experience has meant much more than just wins and stats.
She describes her college years as the best four years of her life, highlighted by the opportunity to pitch for the team all four seasons. Along the way, she created unforgettable memories and formed strong bonds with her teammates.
“I truly believe if I wasn’t a part of this team, I wouldn’t have been given the opportunity to make such lifelong friendships, memories I will never forget, but also being able to grow in the sport I love so much,” Porter said. “Since being here, I have had the pleasure of playing with so many talented girls, and being able to call them all my friends means more than anything to me.”
Her time on the mound has also been historic. During the 2024 season, Porter set the NCAA record for most saves in a single season with 11, while also earning All-Conference Second Team honors that year and again in the 2025 season. Her list of accomplishments doesn’t stop there.
“I have had the ability, with the help of my teammates, to throw a perfect game, a no-hitter, and win the St. Cloud State Athletic Individual Performance of the Year award,” Porter said. “I have been able to learn and grow so much in this sport, and it has allowed me to love the game more than ever.”
While softball has been a major part of her life, Porter has also found ways to stay connected to the game and express herself off the field.
She has been giving private pitching lessons since her senior year of high school, helping young athletes develop their skills and confidence. In addition, she coaches club teams ranging from 10U to 18U, where she enjoys working with players of all ages and teaching all aspects of the game, not just pitching.
Outside of softball, Porter has another passion: photography. From sports action shots to weddings and headshots, she has explored a wide range of styles behind the camera.
“Photography allows me to be creative in a different way and take a step back from sports,” she said.
As her collegiate playing career comes to an end, Porter isn’t stepping away from the game, she’s taking the next step. She plans to continue coaching, this time at the college level.
Next year, she will begin a new chapter at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as an assistant softball coach, turning her lifelong love of the game into a career and continuing to impact the next generation of players, just like her mom once did for her.
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