Clarissa Hernandez Gets Starting Nod in Return to McCombs Field at Texas
3/27/2018 4:37:00 PM | Softball
After horrific car wreck en route to a high school graduation party, freshman pitcher Clarissa Hernandez has made an improbable comeback for the Ladyjacks and will get tonight’s start at Texas
AUSTIN, Texas – A year ago freshman right-handed pitcher Clarissa Hernandez was near the top of her game at William J. Brennan High School in San Antonio, Texas, and tonight she will get the start inside the circle when the Stephen F. Austin softball team takes on the University of Texas for the first time in over five years. However, her path to tonight's nod as the Ladyjacks' starter has been one of resiliency after being involved in a horrific car wreck shortly after her high school career.
While en route to a high school graduation party, Hernandez was involved in a serious car accident that left her return to the diamond on uncertain terms. The aftermath of the event left her with a torn ACL in her left knee, a slightly torn meniscus, concussion, brain bleed and two broken toes.
The accident came just two days after Hernandez' high school graduation and left her in ICU for seven days and on bed rest for about two months.
"It was extremely tough in the beginning of the year here at SFA," Hernandez said. "I was at the top of my game before the accident happened, I helped take my team to state for the first time in school history. I was named player of the year for the San Antonio Express News and received all-state honors as well, everything was really good. The doctor told me I would not be able to play softball this year and I wouldn't be cleared for six to eight months at the earliest."
"Mentally, I was shocked that something like that happened," added Hernandez. "You never think that something like that could ever happen to you. It is honestly by God's grace that I am still here right now, let alone being able to actually fulfill my dream of pitching in NCAA Division I softball. Now, I get to play at the Texas stadium for the second time."
Hernandez' final high school game was played on the campus at Texas inside Red & Charline McCombs Field as she threw in the Class 6A Texas state semifinals. Tuesday night, she will take to the circle once again at McCombs field but now in the Purple and White as the Ladyjacks battle Big 12 Conference stalwart Texas.
"As a coach, I'm proud to give Clarissa the ball tonight," head coach Nicole Dickson said. "She's earned this start with her hard work and resilience. She's a key part of our pitching staff and has had some really good outings at Houston and at Nichols. Emotionally and physically she's been through a lot this year since her car accident, injuries, rehab, the season starting and finding her rhythm again and role on the staff. She's a fighter, no doubt, and I'm glad she's wearing purple."
It has definitely not been an easy path for Hernandez since the car accident and starting her collegiate softball career. Originally, SFA's coaching staff imagined Hernandez would have to sit out the entirety of this year and use her redshirt season. However, she was determined to get back to playing and joining the Ladyjacks on the field for competition. Hernandez credits a lot of her rehab and ability to bounce back to the help she has received at SFA and her Ladyjack teammates.
"Pushing through the aftermath of the accident was the hardest thing I have ever done," recalls Hernandez. "The day after surgery I was required to bend my knee 90 degrees in order to get full extension on it. Doing little things such as lunges, squats and even jumping made me realize how much I took for granted before the accident. I pushed myself to get cleared in the fastest amount of time I could, which I was told would be six to eight months. However, with the help of Emily Montana (former SFA athletic trainer) two days a week and a physical therapist the other two days, I was able to get cleared in just five months."
"The relationships that I have built on this team have helped push me to be here," Hernandez continued. "Knowing that I had these girls behind me every step of the way and the way we have this bond, its like a family. We push each other, fight for each other and the way I saw them on the field during preseason I knew I wanted to be a part of this team. I then became determined to get back and play this year."
First pitch is slated for 6 p.m. tonight from Austin as the game will be broadcast live on the Longhorn Network, available everywhere via WatchESPN and the ESPN app, with Tyler Denning providing play-by-play of the game and Megan Willis color commentary. Live stats can also be followed via TexasSports.com.
Stay tuned to SFAJacks.com, as well as SFA's social media platforms, for complete coverage of Ladyjack softball throughout the season.
-SFA-
While en route to a high school graduation party, Hernandez was involved in a serious car accident that left her return to the diamond on uncertain terms. The aftermath of the event left her with a torn ACL in her left knee, a slightly torn meniscus, concussion, brain bleed and two broken toes.
The accident came just two days after Hernandez' high school graduation and left her in ICU for seven days and on bed rest for about two months.
"It was extremely tough in the beginning of the year here at SFA," Hernandez said. "I was at the top of my game before the accident happened, I helped take my team to state for the first time in school history. I was named player of the year for the San Antonio Express News and received all-state honors as well, everything was really good. The doctor told me I would not be able to play softball this year and I wouldn't be cleared for six to eight months at the earliest."
"Mentally, I was shocked that something like that happened," added Hernandez. "You never think that something like that could ever happen to you. It is honestly by God's grace that I am still here right now, let alone being able to actually fulfill my dream of pitching in NCAA Division I softball. Now, I get to play at the Texas stadium for the second time."
Hernandez' final high school game was played on the campus at Texas inside Red & Charline McCombs Field as she threw in the Class 6A Texas state semifinals. Tuesday night, she will take to the circle once again at McCombs field but now in the Purple and White as the Ladyjacks battle Big 12 Conference stalwart Texas.
"As a coach, I'm proud to give Clarissa the ball tonight," head coach Nicole Dickson said. "She's earned this start with her hard work and resilience. She's a key part of our pitching staff and has had some really good outings at Houston and at Nichols. Emotionally and physically she's been through a lot this year since her car accident, injuries, rehab, the season starting and finding her rhythm again and role on the staff. She's a fighter, no doubt, and I'm glad she's wearing purple."
It has definitely not been an easy path for Hernandez since the car accident and starting her collegiate softball career. Originally, SFA's coaching staff imagined Hernandez would have to sit out the entirety of this year and use her redshirt season. However, she was determined to get back to playing and joining the Ladyjacks on the field for competition. Hernandez credits a lot of her rehab and ability to bounce back to the help she has received at SFA and her Ladyjack teammates.
"Pushing through the aftermath of the accident was the hardest thing I have ever done," recalls Hernandez. "The day after surgery I was required to bend my knee 90 degrees in order to get full extension on it. Doing little things such as lunges, squats and even jumping made me realize how much I took for granted before the accident. I pushed myself to get cleared in the fastest amount of time I could, which I was told would be six to eight months. However, with the help of Emily Montana (former SFA athletic trainer) two days a week and a physical therapist the other two days, I was able to get cleared in just five months."
"The relationships that I have built on this team have helped push me to be here," Hernandez continued. "Knowing that I had these girls behind me every step of the way and the way we have this bond, its like a family. We push each other, fight for each other and the way I saw them on the field during preseason I knew I wanted to be a part of this team. I then became determined to get back and play this year."
First pitch is slated for 6 p.m. tonight from Austin as the game will be broadcast live on the Longhorn Network, available everywhere via WatchESPN and the ESPN app, with Tyler Denning providing play-by-play of the game and Megan Willis color commentary. Live stats can also be followed via TexasSports.com.
Stay tuned to SFAJacks.com, as well as SFA's social media platforms, for complete coverage of Ladyjack softball throughout the season.
-SFA-
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