Chance Veazey was a 19 year old with a scholarship to one of the countries top baseball programs, the University of Georgia. He was going to be a starter for the baseball team in the very first game, and as all young athletes do, had dreams of making it to the big leagues some day. He was short compared to the rest of the team, but he believed the mental side of the game was more important than the physical. He was young and determined; As he put it, “I just wanted to be the little fireball of the team…In your face baseball. I wasn’t going to back down from anyone.” On the evening of October 28 after an exam, he was heading home on his scooter when a car turned in front of him as he was going through a green light. Without any time to swerve he made a split second decision that saved his life, but left him paralyzed for life. He recovered from surgery that stabilized his shattered vertebrae and was transferred to the Shepherd Center to confront the new challenges ahead of him. He took them on with as much determination as he showed for baseball, and he believed the “harder” he push himself, the “faster” he could “get out…and start living [his] life again.” As a college student and aspiring sport psychologist, it is difficult to comprehend and sad to hear about someone losing their dream. However, the determination he shows to get back to life is inspiring. I have no doubt that his story will give hope to many others in similar situations. They are not the only ones who can relate to this story or be enlightened by it. That determination for life is something we all need. That resilience is something we all need to get past hardships and achieve the best life we can have. Indeed, I will take this story with me and be as determined in reaching my own goals and dreams.
(Article Source- Portland Daily Sun: Paralyzed player homers on last swing of career)
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