Senior blazes a new path

SARASOTA — Only minutes into his initial visit at Ave Maria University, Sarasota Christian senior Justis Mejia-Slattery knew he had found his home for the next four years. 

Surrounded by his family and friends, the Blazers midfielder signed a national letter of intent during a ceremony in Sarasota Christian’s gymnasium May 6, to play soccer for the Gyrenes.

“It has always been a dream for me to play soccer in college,” he says. “And now that it is a reality, it feels amazing and also unreal. I know I deserve to be where I am because of all of the hard work I have put into my dream.” 

Mejia-Slattery chose Ave Maria for the tight-knit community feel he experienced during his time on campus. In addition to Ave Maria, Mejia-Slattery also looked at Southeastern University, St. Leo University, Olivet University, Eckerd College and Webber International University, among others. 

Mejia-Slattery has yet to select a major, but he says he looks forward to playing in college while planning out his future at the same time. 

“I’m hoping the resources at Ave Maria will help me find out who I am and what I want to become,” he says. 

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].