Edmonds-Woodway High School Male Athlete of the Month: Chantz Justice
As he looks back on his high school years, senior Chantz Justice said he is grateful to his football coach, John Gradwohl, and baseball coach, Dan Somoza, for teaching him an important life lesson. “You cannot be scared to fail in sports and in life, because without failure you cannot succeed,” said Chantz.
Recognized as one of the top baseball players in the area, Chantz was recently selected to the Seattle Times “Star Times” team. “He’s a wonderful role model for younger kids at Edmonds-Woodway and for the youth in the community,” said Athletic Director Angie McGuire.
Athletics were a big part of Chantz’s high school years. He started for the baseball team all four years and was a three-year starter for the football team where he was named All-Wesco safety his junior year and All-Wesco running back his senior year. But it was a sprained ankle earlier in the school year that left Chantz challenged. “I kept reinjuring it pretty much every game I played in. I just had to fight through the pain and gain a strong mental game, which I think helped me with baseball this year,” said Chantz.
In the fall, Chantz plans to attend Shoreline Community College where he will play baseball. After two years, he said he will transfer to a four-year school and study athletic training.
