Berwick's Lipari signs softball scholarship with Millsaps

Berwick High School softball standout Jordan Lipari’s signing of a softball scholarship to Millsaps College Wednesday at Berwick High School is “special” to her and her family.
“It means a lot to me, especially since my grandpa, he’s always wanted me to play college softball, and my dad, it’s a big thing in our family, because I’m one of the first one’s going play at the next level,” Lipari said.
At Millsaps, she will not continue her play on the field, but she said she will attend an academic-oriented school, too.
“It really has what I’m going into for my major (pre-med or nursing), and it makes me really excited because it’s going to brighten my future for me,” she said.
On the field, Lipari has excelled during her time in a Lady Panther uniform.
As a junior, Lipari was a second-team All-District 8-3A selection as a pitcher.
Offensively, she finished the year with a .338 batting average, a .462 slugging average, a .418 on-base percentage. Lipari recorded 27 hits, including nine doubles, collected 17 RBIs and scored 17 runs.
As a sophomore, she was a first-team All-District 9-3A selection as a shortstop and an honorable mention Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 3A All-State team selection.
She also was a first-team All-District 9-3A utility selection as a freshman.
“Jordan’s an outstanding individual, first of all. … For our program, she’s really one of those leaders,” Berwick High School Softball Coach Heather Templet said. “She’s been playing a lot since her freshman year. Big contributor. Leader on our team offensively and defensively. Just kind of that sparkplug for us.”
Matt Judice, who has been Lipari’s personal hitting instructor for five years, said he knew when he met her that she had talent, but he said her swing wasn’t great. He said she has improved her swing by 95 percent during their time together. He said confidence has been the biggest improvement he has seen in his student.
“The thing about Jordan, she’s a gamer,” he said. “She’s going to give you what you need when you need it. When you need a hit, she’s going to give you a hit. When you need a double, she’s going to give you a double.”
At Millsaps, Lipari said she would play either third base or shortstop, and she said she expects to play as a freshman.
“I’m going to have to work really hard, but I plan on it,” she said.
Templet said she thinks Lipari will have a chance to start immediately.
“She’s just got that drive and that work ethic to where she’s going to really work hard and do what she has to do to get there,” Templet said. “I talked to the coach a couple of times. He’s really excited to have her up there.”