Syracuse, N.Y. ― Auburn softball participant Olevia McLeod initially was instructed in February 2023 that the ache in her knee was attributable to hamstring tendonitis and that the ache can be gone in two weeks.
McLeod quickly discovered that the precise trigger was osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone most cancers.
“I went (the primary time to the physician) on a Thursday,” McLeod mentioned. “I ended up going again that Monday as a result of I couldn’t stroll on it as a result of there was a lot ache.”
McLeod went via eight rounds of chemotherapy that concerned a number of week-long stays within the hospital. In Might, she had surgical procedure for a complete knee alternative. Moreover, half of her tibia was changed with titanium. McLeod is now in whole remission.
“Levy is the definition of a real warrior,” Auburn softball coach Kelley Shellhammer mentioned.
The medical doctors instructed McLeod that she would by no means be capable to return to 2 of the three sports activities that she performed: soccer and basketball. McLeod went via a strenuous rehab course of to make a comeback to softball, her primary sport.
McLeod missed everything of Auburn’s 2023 softball season, through which she probably would have been a major contributor as a sophomore. Regardless of being restricted for many of her junior marketing campaign, McLeod confirmed large progress in her restoration. She performed in three video games and even recorded a double within the Maroons’ win over Syracuse in Might.
McLeod’s valiant struggle to return to the sport that she loves has led to her being awarded syracuse.com’s feminine comeback participant of the 12 months, which was offered on the All-CNY sports activities awards on Thursday.
McLeod mirrored on her expertise and the way it impacted her.
Her preliminary response to the analysis
“I used to be in a lot ache. They discovered a tumor and mentioned, ‘It’s essential go to a specialist as a result of we are able to’t let you know if it’s cancerous or not.’ I used to be scared, and I didn’t know the place life was going from there.”
How she rehabbed to return to softball
“I went via bodily remedy. I had began earlier than I had entered my forged after which after I acquired out of my forged from my knee alternative. I went via the bodily remedy and pushed myself as a result of, after bodily remedy and my surgeon telling me I used to be cleared to return to softball, I used to be simply excited to play.”
Doubts throughout the restoration
“I had a number of doubts as a result of I was a extremely good participant. Having setbacks was one thing I used to be not likely used to.”
What stored her going
“I truthfully didn’t know if I used to be even going to make it again to softball. I had requested my surgeon if I’d be capable to return to any sports activities. He mentioned I couldn’t return to basketball or soccer with the surgical procedure I had, however I might return to softball. Softball is my primary sport, so I used to be okay. That’s what helped me get via the chemo, trying in direction of the tip of the tunnel.”
Watching the softball workforce play in 2023
“It was laborious. I used to be all the time within the hospital, so I couldn’t come help a lot. However after I might help them, I’d all the time be there for them.”
Individuals who supported her within the restoration course of
“Gianna Gagliardi, Haylei DeAngelis and Kaitlyn Catalone have supported me rather a lot. Kaitlyn helped me rather a lot with the psychological a part of my doubting myself this season. Gianna and Haylei all the time pushed me to be the very best that I might be. My mom was actually useful via every little thing. My mother by no means gave up on me and she or he fought for me each a part of the best way.”
Classes that she took away
“I discovered that life is simply so unpredictable. I’ve matured rather a lot and I’ve taken away that tough work does repay and that it’s all within the psychological. A very good mindset is the way you’re going to get there and the way you’re going to struggle via it.”
Expectations for subsequent season
“Heading into subsequent softball season, I’m trying ahead to hopefully with the ability to run my full pace and having my muscle constructed up in my leg. I began some water remedy with swimming, which has helped. I’m simply hoping to get again on that discipline full-time.”
Recommendation to individuals recovering from related conditions
“By no means quit and don’t let anyone cease you. Lots of people thought I couldn’t do it after which I did. I proved lots of people unsuitable.”
