From Tears of Pain to Tears of Joy, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy Softball Player Throws 1st Pitch at Tides Game

Photo by Stephen M. Katz, The Virginian-Pilot

Swinging a bat used to bring Nansemond-Suffolk Academy eighth-grader Allie Rogers '28 to tears. Those have turned into tears of joy after her recent home run for the Saints’ softball junior varsity team.

More joyful is that Allie, 14, threw out the ceremonial first pitch on Friday when the Norfolk Tides hosted Lehigh Valley at Harbor Park for Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters Night. Many from CHKD’s orthopedic team were on hand to cheer Allie.

“Allie is our `All-Star’ and we’re so proud of her determination to recover,” said Dr. James Bennett. “She is even stronger than she was before surgery.”

Bennett is referring to the surgery he performed on Allie for scoliosis, a painful curvature of the spine (S-shaped in her case) in August 2021. The six-hour procedure straightened her spine, made her an inch-and-a-half taller and led to an extraordinary return to softball in three months because of her work ethic.

The determination he highlights was key to Allie’s recovery, but channeling it was far from easy. Allie has played some kind of sport — softball, basketball, volleyball or pickleball — from the time she could walk, and any kind of layoff is more torturous than surgery.

“I was sore and tired from the surgery, but it was really rough for me mentally,” she said. “It was really rough because playing sports is something I do every day.”

Her mother, Chrystal Rogers, says her daughter felt “disconnected” at waking up from the operation fearing she’d never play sports again. She and Allie’s father, Matthew Rogers, convinced their daughter the absence of sports was not an option.

Allie subsequently threw herself into physical therapy and personal training with a gusto uncommon for an 11-year-old. Just three days after surgery, Allie walked a flight of stairs, a feat she labels one of the most difficult she’s ever accomplished.

“I think Allie’s motivation to play softball is what drove her to recover so fast,” Chrystal Rogers said. “Even at first, when she was in pain and not feeling good, she did all of the things she was asked to do for physical therapy.

“She even did extra when the orthopedic surgeon allowed her to do so. I think that made her heal, recover and get back on the field quickly.”

Many are thankful. In addition to the NSA JV softball and volleyball teams, Allie plays softball for for the 16U Unity and Smithfield Thunder club teams.

Out in the backyard three weeks following surgery, Allie was already doing light pitching exercises. She shared pitching duties this spring for an NSA team that went 8-3, but that home run over the fence against Windsor was her highlight.

Throwing out the first pitch at the Tides game is the biggest highlight of all.

“I was really happy and kind of surprised, so at first I didn’t believe it,” Allie said. “I’m pretty excited because it’s something new I get to try.”

She wants to play next year for the NSA varsity softball team, which entered the VISAA state tournament this week with four consecutive titles, then for N.C. State.

“It would be the most amazing thing ever,” Allie said of making the varsity. “My end goal since walking into NSA was getting on the varsity team and playing for Coach (Brittany) Thornburg.

“She’s the most amazing coach.”

Thornburg said, “It’s amazing to hear, after the type of surgery she had, how far she’s come. I’m sure when she comes up, whether it’s at the plate or on the mound, she’ll pull her weight.”

Allie’s surgeon and her parents are among those who think she’ll accomplish all of her goals.

“She powered through surgery with a positive attitude,” Dr. Bennett said. “Allie is a great example of facing adversity with drive and a bright smile on her face.”

Chrystal Rogers added, “My husband and I are just in awe of the progress she’s made. We couldn’t be more proud of how hard she’s worked to get where she is, and how hard she continues to work because it’s not without its trying times and difficulties.”

This article first appeared in The Virginian-Pilot.