RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
The thing that unifies us all here at Extra Inning Softball is our love of the game, but what if you’re a player and—suddenly one day—you were injured so badly that, not only were you put on the bench, but ran the risk of hurting yourself further to where you could lose your ability to run, jump, or even walk?
That was the horrible situation facing Abby Cruz, a talented high school junior who fractured her back on the field, but that injury only strengthened her resolve to return to the sport she loves so much.
“Even injured, Abby never wanted to stop playing,” explains Coach Dennis Smeding, who is her club softball head coach and also a lead instructor at the Max Impact Sports Training facility in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.
“She showed true determination and strength of character by pushing through something that, at first, she thought would heal quickly.”
Both coach and player had to realize the process of returning to competition between the lines would take time.
“After learning the true extent of her injury, we found ways to continue to work together through vision and low impact training. It was scary for her to go through the mental and physical uncertainties of not knowing if she would ever play again.”
Coach Smeding believes that Abby’s successful return to the field was directly tied into her dedication to never give up.
“In her time of healing, the Max Impact organization was happy to support her. As time went on, as her coach and trainer, I saw a change in her. Every day she became more and more enthusiastic of her progress. She became tougher and more dedicated. You can feel the passion she has for the game.”
“Abby’s energy and fun spirit are contagious!” adds Coach Smeding. “I am so happy she has fully recovered and is back at our facility in full swing. We are excited to continue to watch her play at a very high level.”
Abby Cruz (Dallas HS, PA 2024) has been working so hard and it’s showing!!! Working on staying through the ball and having enough left after contact. Great job Abby!!! https://t.co/W8ASOAnGMx
— Max Impact (@MaxImpactSports) October 4, 2022
Here, in her own words, is Abby’s account of her injury, the fears she faced and how she “found a way” to return to the game she loves so much…
*****
My name is Abby Cruz, I am 16 years old and a junior at Dallas High in Pennsylvania—Class of 2024.
Softball is my passion… I give my heart and soul every time I step on the fields. When I’m not playing softball myself, I’m watching my friends play, watching it on TV, volunteering, coach assisting and preparing myself for a successful future in the sport.
My main position is shortstop, but I can also pitch, catch, and play where I am needed. I have been ranked as a top infielder for my Class of 2024 by PA Preps and I was a high school Division 1 coach pick. I was also awarded the Golden Glove award and Top Defensive Player of the Year recognition.
I know there are many girls out there, like me, with a love for this sport, and when you play hard you can sometimes get hurt. At one point or another we may all have had bumps, bruises, scrapes, and even a concussion or two.
Scarily, I fractured my spine playing the game I love and, at first, it was difficult to accept. It was frightening, sure, but I didn’t let the pain, fear, and frustration of not being able to play keep me from continuing on my path.
I had plenty of doctor visits, x-rays, and MRIs. I also had physical therapy, rehabilitation, and pain intervention. I was put on bed rest and missed my entire high school sophomore season.
I was devastated and thought my world would end because I could not be on the field with my team. They needed me and they told me that every chance they had.
The doctors made it very clear that our spines are delicate and one false move could not only mean never playing softball again but also the possibility of never being able to run, jump, or walk.
I repeat: the possibility of never being able to run, jump, or walk again!
It was serious.
Although I was not permitted to play, I never missed a team practice or event. All I wanted to do was grab my glove and hit the field with my team, but instead I sat on a bucket and watched my team throw, field balls, hit, and grow stronger.
I soon realized that watching them run, make plays, and laugh together also made me stronger. I decided that if all I could do was the exercises the doctors specified than I was going to do them to the best of my ability!
I did just that… I fought through the hurt, through pain and through the mental anguish of not knowing if I would be able to ever play again, but at no time did I ever give up on myself and on getting better.
I knew I had to find a way.
I did everything my loving parents, skillful doctors, and caring coaches, trainers, and friends expected of me because I knew they all wanted to see me get better.
Everyone’s support was invaluable. Not for a single moment did my high school coaches, Joyce and Jen, allow me to feel left out because of my injury. They encouraged me to continue to be present during practices and events and I continued to feel a strong sense of belonging.
I pushed myself to be present for every game, every practice, and team activity and, slowly, something marvelous began to happen: a mental change. I embraced the sense of belonging and realized I loved being the team’s loudest cheerleader!
My travel team’s coaches, Dennis and Jackie, also provided immense support in my healing process and welcomed my return to the first game back from my injury.
That first game back was tough: I wasn’t running, throwing, or moving as fast I used to. I realized I was in protect mode. I was careful not to bend, twist, or turn a certain way for fear of re-injuring myself.
But all that mattered to them was that I was there—participating, interacting, and enjoying our time together. We love winning—who doesn’t?—but it wasn’t only about that: it was about joining in team spirit, supporting one another, and loving this wonderful game together.
They admired my courage to play again and continued to believe in me. And they drove me to believe in myself. I felt I had to push through and get better for myself, my team, my coaches, and for the immense love I have for this sport.
One of the biggest lessons I learned throughout my journey is that we should never stop believing in ourselves. Goals are attainable if you don’t give up. Always remember to celebrate and be grateful for even the smallest accomplishments because these will empower you and give you the confidence you need to keep going.
It’s also important to surround yourself with positive people. Positive people are encouraging and want to see you succeed. They will help you reconnect with what you love most, which for me, was playing softball!
And now, I’m back and stronger than ever. My batting average is .587, my exit velocity, arm strength, and base running stats are exactly where I want them to be.
I found strength and perseverance from wanting to return but also from believing I would return. I didn’t allow my injury to stop me from pushing through and finding a way back to softball and all it means to me.
I wanted to share my story because when we get badly hurt, we tend to feel afraid, defeated, lost, and alone. But we can’t allow those feelings to keep us from our goals. We need to fight and find a way to overcome.
My new motto is:
“Find a way!” Never give up! Keep pushing!
Whether or not you are recovering from an injury or just looking to improve your game always remember: if you want it, all you have to do is believe in yourself and “find a way!”
I am so grateful to have softball in my life! It has given me so much. I have found lifelong friends, a true sense of belonging, belief in myself, and a drive to do anything! I was injured playing softball, but softball also helped me ‘find a way’ to full recovery and be a stronger, better me!
— Abby Cruz #6, Class of 2024