Soccer standout shines

Amanda Just became the third student athlete in OU history to win a prestigious award from ESPN after Jamison Shaw and Andy Otto.

Just is a sophomore biology major from Andover. She plays center midfield on the Ottawa University women's soccer team, and is a team captain.

Just said the award, ESPN second team academic all district, is based on both academics and athletics.

"They look at your GPA and your athletic accomplishments, and determine from there the teams," she said. "They had a first, second and third team."

Craig Shaw, head soccer coach, said that Just excels in both athletics and academics
"She's one of the most gifted and brilliant minds on the soccer field," he said. "And in the classroom she's got a 4.0."

Shaw said that Just also has won several other awards, including 1st team all-conference, All-American player, and the Dudley Geise NAIA Champions of Character award.

"She's got some of the best character and morals on the team," he said.
Just said that she was honored to receive the award.

"It shows that being a versatile person is beneficial," she said. "I couldn't have received it without a team like I have to back me." Just also said that she is the first women's soccer player to receive the award.

Just has been playing soccer since she was five years old.

"I started playing just for the jersey, she said. "Now it's a passion and a stress reliever."

Just said her favorite part of the sport is meeting new people.

"You meet all kinds of people and you connect with them on a deeper level than you would face to face," she said.

Just said that for her future education she's thinking about veterinary school.
"I know I want that human interaction," she said. "And I know I want to do something medical, but I'm not sure yet."

Craig Shaw said that Just is the kind of person who always is willing to help others.

"She's one of those amazing people that you get once every blue moon," he said. "They just affect everyone on the team's lives in a good way."

Doug Holub, assistant professor of chemistry, said Just stays on top of her studies.

"She's obviously an outstanding student," he said. "She's prepared. She's obviously a smart kid, but I think she does work and puts in effort."

Holub also described Just as personable and friendly

"I think she's got a good sense of humor," he said. "I think she's easy to talk to. She probably just intimidates some people because she does so well."

Whitney Bowen, junior education major, plays forward on the soccer team with Just. Bowen described Amanda as a caring person, especially in regards to her team..
"She'll do anything for anybody," she said. "She's got your back 100 percent."

Bowen said that Just is a leader, not a follower.

"She'll always do what is right," she said. "She'll go with her teammates through whatever situation they need."