Name: Heather Carper
School: Juniata Valley
Age: 17
Grade: Junior
Sport: Softball
Athlete of the week achievement: Carper tossed a one-hitter with seven strikeouts and two walks in Juniata Valley's 2-1, season-opening win over Bellwood-Antis.
Season update: Carper and the Juniata Valley softball team are 1-0. Carper has been pitching for Valley since she was a freshman.
Coach Tony Payne's quote: "She started out the way we were hoping she would. She's been getting stronger every year for us - this was not a surprise. She's been growing each year.''
Favorite teacher: Mr. Smith
Favorite subject: Math
Favorite movie: "Despicable Me''
Favorite food: Ice cream
Favorite song: "Grenade'' by Bruno Mars
Outside interests: Hanging out with friends
Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite college team: Tennesseee Lady Vols softball team
Pro athlete most admired: Cat Osterman
Best athlete I ever played with: Jenna Morgan
Best athlete I ever competed against: My brother, Seth
Most influential person on my athletic career: My father, Allan Carper, and pap, Stewart Porter
Proudest athletic achievement: Beating Blacklick Valley in the District 6 playoffs last season
How I got my start in softball: "Growing up around softball with my dad as a little girl.''
Future goal: Balance playing softball and studying to be a doctor in college
