Kristyn Smith is back on the field after a hiatus.
KRISTYN SMITH/COURTESY
By Karen Flores, Staff Writer
Kristyn Smith, a senior marketing major and infielder for the Manhattan College softball team, returned to the field after taking a hiatus due to a series of surgeries.
Smith went to the doctor and was told she had a torn shoulder labrum tear during the fall of her sophomore year. She played throughout the season and got her first surgery the following summer.
During her recovery, Smith was put on different throwing programs to regain her shoulder and arm strength.
“I went through a couple of different programs,” Smith said. “During one of the last throwing programs I was going through my final sets and when I threw the ball, my shoulder popped. It came back with a completely different tear so I had to go in for a second surgery. This happened during the beginning season of my junior year.”
Smith recalls wanting to get back on the field and having to figure out her priorities to be able to get there as soon as she could.
“I took a step back and explained to myself that if I wanted to put myself back on the field, I had to physically do everything I could to do so safely,” Smith said. “Sometimes that meant sacrificing social outings because my body just wasn’t up to it, missing practice to go to physical therapy because that’s how I contributed to the team, by getting better.”
Gabriella Mazzotta, a finance and economics graduate student, expressed that the team works to ensure their injured teammates feel supported during their recovery time.
“We’ve had a few injuries on our team and I think for everybody, it’s hard to see somebody sitting out and not playing games, participating in practicing lifts and everything we do as a team,” Mazzotta said. “As a team, we try our best to ensure our injured teammates feel physically and mentally okay as they recover.”
Despite having been injured, Smith still felt the support and kindness of her fellow teammates, who made an effort to include her in their team activities.
“They rallied behind me and it helped with creating a home away from home situation,” Smith said. “When I came back after taking a week off, they walked me back in with open arms and they tried to keep me included in as many things as one can do with a sling. People would stay after and watch me throw or watch me hit and cheer me on, it was nice.”
The softball team was introduced to a leadership committee this year, which consists of four leaders elected by the team.
Bridget Hurlman, coach of the women’s softball team, explained to The Quadrangle that the goal of this committee is to motivate, guide and help develop the skills of the members.
“Having girls that are a great connector between the coaching staff and all the players is pretty crucial to keep the ship upright,” Hurlman said. “In terms of the leaders that we picked, it was based around the core values and the things that we’re trying to embody every single day. The committee just helps to be able to bring together the strengths of all of our chosen leaders and put together a great and strong group to lead this program.”
Smith is one of the members of this year’s committee and she said that holding this position motivated her to get back on the field and be someone that her teammates could look up to, especially after having had Mazzotta as one of the team captains last year.
“I’ve had a few great leaders in the past,” Smith said. “Gabby [Mazzotta] was one of the captains last year and I’ve never seen someone work as hard to set a great example. I want to continue to set the tone that Gabby and the other two leaders set last year and I want to continue to carry this team into a new era under coach Bridget. I thought that this was my opportunity to step up, and it helped push me into getting back on the field while being a leader on and off the field.”
Hurlman believes that Smith exemplifies what it means to be a leader and team player.
“Our philosophy especially makes sure that everyone’s feeling valued no matter their role and just because you’re injured does not mean you cannot contribute,” Hurlman said. “I think Kristyn embodies every aspect of that. We’re all excited that all of her hard work is paying off and that she’s able to do the thing that she loves the most.”
Mazzotta expressed being very excited to have Smith back on the field as well as to have her as a leader on the committee.
“I’m lucky enough to have her as my leader this year,” Mazzotta said. “I’m excited to just have her back and see her play the season and go out with a bang for last season.”
Smith hopes that she and her team can make it to the MACC championships and is grateful to be able to play softball again.
“I want everyone on the team to experience going to the MAAC conference because some of us haven’t,” Smith said. “I want to be able to play softball with my team, be part of every game, whether I’m on the field or off the field, I’m just grateful that I was able to get through this injury and put myself back to where I want to be. I’m excited about the upcoming season so go Jaspers!”