As the 2016 NAHS Varsity baseball season kicked off, Josh Johnston signed with Truett-McConnell, a Christian, coeducational liberal arts college in Cleveland, Georgia. Johnston has been playing baseball ever since he can remember, and says it has positively impacted his life. “I’ve made most of my friends through baseball. It’s always given me something to do and it’s a way for me to get away from things,” he said.

Johnston is capable of playing most infield positions, however he thoroughly enjoys shortstop. “It’s the position that requires the most leadership on the field, and I strive to be a leader,” he says.

Varsity Baseball Coach Shane Owen says Josh is a versatile asset to the team. “He’s one of my senior leaders and puts in effort every day. He’s a huge part of what we generally look for in the baseball program here at North Atlanta.”

The Varsity Baseball team is looking good so far according to Johnston. “We have had a slow start, but I think we will be fine once we start region play. Our biggest problem right now is just early season mistakes.” He says Cambridge and Forsyth Central will be the two toughest competitors among the region. The Varsity team’s record is 0-2 as of right now, however they beat Grady High School with a score of 8 to 2 in a scrimmage at the start of the season.

Compared to the team last year, Coach Owen says it’s been a tough transition since the team lost 9 seniors after last year. “We are a young team and are still trying to find the identity we will have this year. It’s hard to fill the void when you lose that many seniors but we are getting better each day and I look forward to what’s in store for this season.” Coach Owen strongly emphasizes the players bonding and coming together cohesively. “We have a core group of kids who have been playing together for a while and have known each other on a regular basis. The ones who haven’t been in that core, the younger kids who are new to Varsity, are starting to get more familiar with everyone.”

Owen says the goal this year for Varsity is to get to state. “We want to get to the playoffs first, then region, then state.” He also stresses the importance of learning to win and lose with respect. “Along with winning, becoming respectful young adults is important for these kids,”  he says.