Neu at Home at the Hot Corner

A painful injury cost Ali Neu more than a year of competitive athletics, but the senior softball player has worked her way back on the field and is ready to make good on the promise she showed as a two-sport athlete her sophomore year.

During last year’s basketball season an opposing player fell on Neu’s knee, causing significant damage. Neu went through surgery and immediately started a four-month physical therapy program so she could build up her strength and get back on the field for the Huskies.

The rehabilitation work humbled the senior and she said it taught her the importance of hard work. 

“I learned that it is hard to come back from an injury and play a sport that I haven’t played for over a year and a half. The hardest part was getting back in shape from being on crutches for so long,” Neu said. “With determination I can be right back on the field as if nothing changed.”

The senior figures to factor in the team’s plans at third base, but she could help the team in the outfield as well. Either way, Neu said she expects to have to earn her spot on the field this spring.

“I was out for a year and it is not fair to the other players who have been working hard for over a year if I just come back onto the team and take my position as if I were never gone,” she said. “It is only fair if I prove to myself, my coaches and my teammates that I deserve to be playing on the field with them.”

Although Neu wasn't able to play or practice with the team last year, she made an effort to show up and support her teammates during the season whenever she could. Already at 4-0, she hopes this team can build off of last year’s success. 

“This year's team has the same if not more talent and determination than last year,” said Neu. “The team’s efforts from practicing earlier in the year are really showing and we look like a great team who is not afraid of anyone.”

The senior is looking forward to attending Westchester Community College next year where she will look to study athletic training and physical therapy. She said she will also try out for the school’s softball team.

Best of luck and continued success to Ali Neu, Harrison Patch’s athlete of the week.