Nelson Earns Gamer of the Week Honors

Teays Physical Therapy Center, Inc. and The Putnam Herald are pleased to present this week’s Female Gamer of the Week to Junior Emeri Nelson of the Winfield High School Softball team.  

With a passion for softball and a commitment to excellence, Emeri Nelson has become a standout player for the Winfield High School softball team. For the past 12 years, Emeri has been dedicated to the sport, joining at a young age after her older sister started playing. Encouraged by her dad, Emeri began her journey with T-ball and hasn't looked back since. 

Now, at the forefront of her team, Emeri is a key player in the infield, playing shortstop, third base, and even pitching when needed. A force to be reckoned with, she’s currently batting .483 and leads the team with 5 doubles. In her team's impressive 8-1 record this season, Emeri’s leadership and strong performance are undeniably contributing factors. 

“Emeri is a vital part of our team-she can play any position in our infield…and will help us pitching in the circle as well. Emeri has been swinging a really good bat on our southern trip….she is a team player and puts her team first everyday she comes to practice and games” Head coach Steve Hensley.  

What truly sets Emeri apart, however, is her deep commitment to teamwork. As a player, she thrives not only in her athletic abilities but also in her dedication to creating a positive and supportive atmosphere for her teammates. “We communicate on and off the field really well and I think that plays a big role in why we have been successful,” she shares. 

Her dedication extends beyond softball—Emeri is also a vital member of the Winfield High School basketball team, where she earned Cardinal Conference Honorable Mention for the 2024-2025 season. Off the field, she is an active student, involved in the National Honor Society, WHS Lunch Bunch, and WHS Link Crew, where she continues to show leadership and dedication to her school community. 

Her role models are her family, including her older sister, mom, nana, and Grammy, who have all inspired her to be strong and resilient. “I have many strong women in my life who are my role models, it’s hard to just pick one. I have looked up to my older sister, my mom, my nana, and my Grammy my whole life and strive to be strong like them when I am older,” Emeri reflects. 

As for this season, the team has set ambitious goals, aiming to win the state title, secure 20 wins, and capture the conference championship. “Our goals for this season are obviously to win states but we also made a goal to win 20 games this season as well as being conference champs,” Emeri says. 

Looking ahead, Emeri plans to attend college after high school, although she is still exploring her options. Regardless of where she goes, her focus on excellence in both academics and athletics will undoubtedly open many doors. 

Please look for other local high school athletes to be named in next week’s Female Gamer of the Week Sponsored by Teays Physical Therapy Center, Inc. and The Putnam Herald.

MEGAN SCARBERRY, MS, CPT, POTENTIAL PLUS INSTRUCTOR AT TEAYS PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER INC.