It’s been a tough week and a half for those following Lady Dukes travel ball coach and leader James Lamar, who was hospitalized on May 31st and put on life support after having heart surgery (click HERE to see that initial report).
In the last week and a half, Coach Lamar has had several further heart surgeries and procedures and his wife, Duke University head coach Marissa Young had continued to update the progress of her husband via social media… for example, Coach Young published this note on Wednesday of this week:
https://twitter.com/DukeCoachYoung/status/1666517419332870176
And the update from Friday—the most recent Facebook post by Coach Young—shows that there is progress happening in Coach Lamar’s recovery, but there are set-backs too sometimes with the latest being the delay in removing the breathing tube which would allow James to be lifted from sedation (in other words, brought awake):
https://twitter.com/DukeCoachYoung/status/1667179607966007298
As the journey to recovery continues, there has been a wonderful outpouring of love and support across the softball community…. and that includes some impressive work by the players on his own team.
Keagan’s Bracelets Honoring Her Coach
One of those touching displays of affection has been from the coach’s prized pitcher—Keagan Rothrock, who has signed with Florida and was ranked the No. 1 overall player in the 2023 Extra Elite 100.
Keagan—the recently named Gatorade State Player of the Year for her home state of Indiana (the third year in a row she’s received the honor)—has worked with her parents Greg and Laura Rothrock to raise money for her travel ball coach to offset his medical costs.
How has she done this?
By producing bracelets that can be obtained by those who make donations through Venmo with direct contact and purchasing done through Laura Rothrock (her cell # is 317-340-4057).
The bracelets say: #ALLOFME4JD meaning “All of me for JD (James D. Lamar)” on one side and Always Fight, Every Step of the Way on the other side.
Here’s the Twitter post Keagan put up earlier this week:
https://twitter.com/_kea01/status/1666132382687146003
So why do this for her hospitalized coach, we asked Keagan?
“I’ve had numerous travel coaches throughout my career, but there hasn’t been a single coach who has had more of an impact on my life than Coach Lamar has,” she begins.
“Three summers ago, he helped me find my love for the game again and I will forever be grateful for that. Not only has he helped me in my career, but I’ve seen how many lives he’s touched through his generous heart and want to help other players become the greatest they can be. He’s done so much for us and now it’s our turn to show our love and give back to him.”
It’s not the first time Keagan has used the idea of producing bracelets to help in times of pain and hurt.
“Making bracelets was the first thing I thought of when I was trying to think of ways to show our support for him,” the graduated senior continues. “I wear another bracelet that says ‘Play for Kate#12’ for a girl who passed away in a four-wheeler accident when we were 10.”
“I am always able to keep her with me, so making a bracelet in support of Coach Lamar was the best way I knew to keep him in our hearts and on the field with us this summer, even if he isn’t able to be with us.”
“We wanted to make sure the bracelets didn’t have a set price and instead wanted to make it on a donation basis of payment that way people could contribute in whatever way they’re able yet still get a bracelet to show their support and keep him with them.”
And how will the funds from the donations be used?
“My mom and I are going to give all of the money we collect to the Lamar family in order to help with whatever expenses they need. Right now, we’re taking orders through my Mom’s phone number at 317-340-4057.
“All donations are being sent to my Venmo (Keagan-Rothrock) and will be sent collectively to the Lamar family once all bracelet orders are in.”
She concludes:
“Thank you to everyone who has supported the family this far and please continue to keep Coach Lamar in your prayers.”
— Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball
