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.