Newport considered LaGrange College before making his final choice to play for the Division I school. “The fact that they were a Division I school and I could major in sports management were two main reasons I chose Winthrop,” said Newport.

Newport is a four-year member of the Panthers, and although he played mostly third base at CHHS, was signed as a second baseman.

Newport took three trips to Winthrop before being offered a scholarship. This first trip came last November where he attended what the school called a “college camp”.About a month later he was informed that the school had an interest in him. After attending a hitting camp, they called him back for a third visit.

“I had no idea when I went there, they would offer me a scholarship, but that’s what happened,” he recalled.

As for being recruited as a second baseman, he says he actually likes it better than third base.“I really liked the campus. I wanted to attend a mid-size school where they had my major,” he said. “And they play some teams in the Atlanta-area, so my family and friends can see me play.”

Justin, whose father Rich owns Diamond Stars Academy in Douglasville, has been around baseball most of his life.

“Playing college ball is a dream for me,” he said. “On that third visit I got to eat lunch with players before their game.” Currently Newport says fielding is the strongest part of his game. “I’ve got to work on hitting the curve ball,” he said. “And I need to improve my strength and size.”

Newport plans to play for Douglasvile American Legion Post 145 this summer before enrolling at Winthrop.Newport’s career wasn’t always so successful. His first two seasons with CHHS were a struggle.

“Coach (Mick) Harper stuck with me when I was bad,” he recalled. “But, coach Harper helped me mature as a person and player.”

Newport, a leader in the FCA, credits God and other persons around him for their help.One of those is Lincoln Martin, the hitting coach at Diamond Stars and scout for the Houston Astros. “He really helped me improve my swing,” said Newport, who says an FCA Camp at Baylor University also helped him with baseball and life issues.

“Justin might be the hardest working student-athlete I’ve coached,” said Harper. “He struggled early in his career here, but his great work ethic and character were outstanding. He’s such a great leader.”

Newport and his teammates would love to end their prep careers as winners. CHHS opens the State AAAAA baseball playoffs Friday at Camden County.

Diamond Starz uses a state of the art scheduling software provided

by EZFacility.com

EZFacility.com is a global leader in scheduling & management solutions for baseball training centers, sports & athletic businesses, colleges & universities, park & recreation centers, school districts, gyms, health clubs, and personal training centers.