Conference Carolinas Announces First Comeback Athlete of the Year Award

Conference Carolinas Announces First Comeback Athlete of the Year Award

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High Point, NC – Amber Weaver from Barton College is the recipient of the 2014 Conference Carolinas Comeback Athlete of the Year Award. This is the inaugural year of the Conference Carolinas Comeback Athlete of the Year Award.

 

This award recognizes a Conference Carolinas student athlete who participates in a conference-sponsored sport that has suffered a significant injury and comes back to make significant contributions to their team after recovering. Nominees and winners of the award are selected and then voted on by the head athletic trainers of Conference Carolinas institutions.

 

During the 2011 - 2012 softball season, Weaver was diagnosed with a subluxing ulnar nerve in her right throwing elbow. While her performance was limited due to her elbow injury, she continued playing the third base position. During one of her at bats in the middle of the season, Weaver felt a pop in her right shoulder. 

 

Weaver muscled through the remainder of the 2012 softball season after playing in 37 games for the Lady Bulldogs as a junior and produced 30 hits (.300 average) with 22 RBIs, 17 runs, 14 doubles, one triple, two home runs, 12 walks and one stolen base. She finished the 2012 season ranked 18th nationally in NCAA Division II with an average of 0.38 doubles per game. 

 

In the summer of 2012, Weaver got an MRI that revealed a SLAP tear of her labrum. She elected to try the conservative approach instead of having surgery in an effort to compete in the 2013 softball season. 

 

However, the rehabilitation process was challenging with both a shoulder and elbow injury. The conservative treatment failed to return Amber to competition during the 2013 campaign, so she elected to have surgery in December 2012. This decision cost her the 2012 - 2013 softball season.

 

Weaver began her rehab process immediately after her surgery and was cleared to play in the Fall 2013. Weaver returned to the field this spring as a 5th year senior and contributed tremendously to the success of her team. 

 

Weaver finished last season playing third base in 39 out of 40 games this season and produced 35 hits (.299 average) with 17 RBIs, 17 runs, seven doubles, four home runs, four walks and one stolen base. Weaver ranked in the top 25 in five conference stats (Hits, RBIs, runs, doubles) and in the top 10 in Home runs.

 

 “During the entire process [Amber] kept a great attitude and worked hard to get to where she is now.  She is a leader not only on the field but off the field as well.  She has been very dedicated and committed to getting better and helping her team in any way she could,” said Tammy Holleman, Barton College Athletic Trainer.