STRASBURG-FRANKLIN — While standing on second base, Strasburg-Franklin senior Ella Gilkerson realized she had an opportunity to steal third.
Halfway to the base, Danville’s catcher went to throw the ball to the third basemen, causing Gilkerson to stop.
After watching the ball go into the outfield, she kept going, rounding third where she slipped on the wet turf and heard a sudden crack.
“It was very cold and wet,” she said. “The rain was coming down then I missed my footsteps.”
The only thing going through Gilkerson’s mind: “My senior season is over.”
Missy Gilkerson, Ella’s mom, said she will be having surgery on a broken tibia and fibula scheduled for April 23.
“She’s going to get some screws and plates, “ she added. “Some ligament repair if needed and then looking at a 12-week recovery for her.”
The support from the team has been everything and some, Missy said.
“There is nothing like the Strasburg softball family,” she said. “They have all stepped up and helped Ella through this. They’ve brought gifts and food but it’s just a tough pill to swallow.”
“I have texts coming in every couple of minutes,” Ella added. “My teammates and friends remind me how much they love me, and I have had people coming over to hang out with me, making sure I know that they’re here and that they love me.”
To keep Ella’s spirits up, Missy has reminded her that she is still the captain of this softball team.
“She still has a huge role on this team,” she said. “Her job as a catcher is to keep that pitcher happy and in line, which is something she can still do. She can be there for every tournament and watch them grow.”
Shortly after leaving in an ambulance, Danville joined the Strasburg players for a moment of prayer.
“I couldn’t have asked for anything more, and knowing people were praying for her meant everything,” Missy said.
She received the phone call that Ella had gotten hurt, while in attendance of their daughter’s senior day in Youngstown.
“We got a call from Ella’s teammate screaming hysterically,” she said. “Next thing we were making the hour and 45-minute drive home.”
“When I saw that it really meant a lot,” Ella added. “A bunch of the Danville girls texted me and knowing that everybody cares about me has really helped a lot getting through this.”
People coming together is what Missy has noticed the most through this.
“This program (Strasburg softball) is a true family,” she said. “Win or lose there is no better program. We have had more support in the last couple of day than I could ever dream of.”
Jshondel@usatodayco.com; X: @JacoBShondeL
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Strasburg’s Ella Gilkerson senior softball season halted after injury
Reporting by Jacob Shondel, The Times-Reporter / The Times-Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
