Southern Miss softball redshirt sophomore Nealy McManus faced a challenging sophomore season after a torn UCL sidelined her from the sport she has played since childhood.
McManus, originally from Millport, Alabama, began her college softball career in 2023, building on her successful high school career at South Lamar High School, where she earned multiple All-State team honors. Her passion for softball developed early, influenced by her family and driven by her desire to emulate her cousins, with support from her father.
By the age of 12, McManus began to take the sport seriously, attending camps and catching the attention of recruiters. Now playing at the collegiate level, she says being part of a team of 20 other players has taught her valuable lessons on and off the field.
“I’m training for myself, but I am also training for the other people in the waiting, because we are a team,” said McManus. “I can see it is hard for other people because everyone has their role. But seeing each other hype each other up at practice, rather than intimidation of that, it should be seen as encouragement.”
McManus had a promising start to the 2023-2024 season, starting in 15 games before suffering a serious elbow injury. After medical evaluations, she was diagnosed with a torn Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL), an injury that requires a lengthy recovery process. McManus reflected on the emotional impact of the injury, questioning the timing but ultimately attributing it to her faith.
“It was all a part of God’s Plan,” McManus said. “God’s Plan plays out day in and day out. Softball has been a huge part of my life since I was 4 years old, that was my mission, but he is transitioning me into different things; just allowing myself to step back and realize he is still good even though the situation is sucky.”
For McManus, the recovery process has been an opportunity for personal growth. She offers advice to athletes facing similar challenges, emphasizing resilience and perseverance.
“Be bold because this is not easy, just count your blessings,” McManus said. “Resilience is the ability to not give in and not take a no as an answer.”
Despite multiple surgeries, McManus remains optimistic and continues to support her team while focusing on her recovery. She has shifted her goals, focusing not only on athletic success but also on personal growth.
“I make the most of each opportunity I get and love people well,” McManus said. “Get to a place where I feel 100% again, have gospel conversations with people when they present themselves. Life is hard, but it’s not supposed to be easy. The victory is so much sweeter when you know how hard you had to work to get there.”
McManus hopes to return to the field stronger and help Southern Miss achieve their goals in future seasons.
