STATESBORO, Ga. (WSAV) — South Georgia Tormenta FC announced the signing of their youngest player in club history on Tuesday.
Justin Christopher “J.J.” Hardy Jr., a young athelete, dedicated ball boy and wrestler, signed to a USL League One youth contract. Hardy has been a ball boy since 2022 and a Tormenta spokesperson said he played a special role during the club's championship run.
Hardy has dwarfism and is preparing for a series of surgeries next month related to his condition.
"With an extended recovery ahead, Tormenta FC hopes this signing will serve as a source of encouragement and motivation for J.J. and all of his Tormenta teammates as he takes on this next chapter of recovery," the Tormenta said.
- South Georgia Tormenta FC
- South Georgia Tormenta FC
- South Georgia Tormenta FC
- South Georgia Tormenta FC
- South Georgia Tormenta FC
- South Georgia Tormenta FC
- South Georgia Tormenta FC
The team said they are honored to officially welcome Hardy to the team and that it's a way to celebrate his impact on Tormenta Nation.
“J.J. has been a really important part of our club since 2022, and he’s been with us every step of the way," Tormenta FC Owner Darin Van Tassell said. "He has some tough moments coming up, but we know his strength, determination, and passion will carry him through. As a club, we talk about resilience, and J.J. embodies that every single day. When we face tough moments, he’ll be our inspiration.”