More than two years ago, I was playing in my first varsity scrimmage as a Sophomore in HS. I was having a great inning on the mound, when suddenly I heard and felt the pop that no pitcher wants to experience. I knew right away something was terribly wrong.

The next few months were grueling. I was rehabbing and doing everything possible to avoid having surgery, but unfortunately my elbow wouldn’t heal. After being assessed by Dr. Ahmad, we decided that Tommy John surgery would be the best course of action. Honestly, I was devastated because it meant I would also miss my Junior season (as well as all the club tournaments and opportunities to be scouted to play college ball). Surgery was really my only chance to fully recover, though. I was so nervous because I had never had surgery before, but Dr. Ahmad really made me feel at ease. His staff and everyone at the hospital were so nice too. The surgery went flawlessly!

I was really blessed to have my family, a very supportive high school coach in Coach Fredricks, and truly incredible teammates who supported me over those 18 months of recovery. I took advantage of this time to focus on my studies, get stronger and rehab my arm. My dad (a former D1 pitcher at Seton Hall) was my throwing partner, under his guidance I spent a lot of time refining my mechanics and developing a sweeper and change-up.

Senior season was incredible! I was a captain and helped our team win the division. I made the All-Academic team in the GMC (Greater Middlesex County) and was selected All Division. I had one of the lowest ERA’s (1.78) in the GMC, I struck out 49 batters, and only walked 9 batters in 35 innings – all while graduating with a 4.2 GPA taking AP and honors courses.

I’m currently getting ready for my next chapter. I will be studying Finance at St. John’s University as part of the University Honors Program and Catholic Scholars Program. I hope to get an opportunity to try out for a walk-on spot on the baseball team, because I know my baseball journey is just getting started. Wish me luck!