Post by Dave Betcher on Mar 25, 2007 17:26:07 GMT -5
Redwings’ Makowski refocuses on softball after head injury
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Photo by Dennis Sieron
Jaimie Makowski was cleared in January to play for Benet after a scary health issue.By Alex Janco
Downers Grove Reporter
Tue Mar 20, 2007, 02:01 PM CDT
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Lisle, IL - For Benet Academy senior Jaimie Makowski, life has always been about softball.
However, as recently as six months ago, softball took a back seat as she battled the scare of her life.
After a freak fall that wound up giving her a concussion, it was found that she had a spot on her brain. That’s when her priorities switched from being one of the best players on the field to making sure she was simply healthy enough to live her everyday life.
“I didn’t know if I would be able to play, but I did get cleared in January,” Makowski said. “I haven’t been able to prepare as much as I would have wanted to and I’m really still taking it day by day. I’m still optimistic about this season.
“When you’re told you have a spot on your brain, softball kind of goes out the window. It changed my life a little because that’s usually all I would think about. It did help me focus.”
On top of that, Makowski also suffered a bout of amnesia after the fall, which scared her, as well, and alerted her that there was something bigger wrong with her.
Two years ago, Makowski also dealt with a torn meniscus which affected her range, but didn’t deter her from coming back in time for the playoffs that season, helping the Redwings to a sectional championship.
Benet coach Jerry Schilf uses her work ethic as an example, saying that even despite her bumps and bruises, she gives her all and because of that she’s one of the team’s leaders — and not just because she’s a senior.
“She missed a lot of time as a sophomore, but came back and played through the pain and wound up getting the game-winning double in the sectional final,” Schilf said. “She’s got power and she’ll be our big hitter. We’re expecting big things from her. I think she still struggles with her mobility, but she just fights through everything.
“She had five home runs last year and I wouldn’t be surprised if she was in double digits this year.”
This year, the Redwings have a tremendously young team, but one with a lot of promise if everything goes right. Makowski believes all the team needs is a little bit of time before things start going Benet’s way.
“This year, we aren’t starting off with the best softball players, but we’re starting off with a group that’s really athletic,” Makowski said. “Over the past couple of weeks, it’s been nice seeing how the girls have transformed and for the younger kids, it’s their chance to improve and get better. If we can stay focused and mentally tough, I think we’ll be OK. It’s all about putting everything together.
“I think a lot of the girls will be looking to me (as a senior) to get the job done. I don’t get nervous and I know what to do because I’ve been there. I feel that I need to lead the team.”
Because of her health problems, Makowski wasn’t able to pursue any colleges as actively as she would have liked and says she’s planning on walking on somewhere next year.
“I really missed the opportunity last year,” she said. “But I know that this is my last season and I’m a senior and coach is counting on me and now I’m just going to give it all I’ve got.”
Redwings at a glance
Last year’s record: 29-9
Coach: Jerry Schilf (8th year)
Home field: Benet Academy, 2200 Maple Ave., Lisle
Top returning players: Jaimie Makowski (1B, sr.), Laura Canulli (SS, jr.), Kaitlin Coari (CF, so.), Kelsey Gallo (2B, so.), Claire Geyer (P/OF, so.), Meghan Eastman (P, so.), Lindsay Winegard (OF/P, sr.), Courtney Makowski (3B, so.)
Promising newcomers: Kathleen Allen (OF, so.), Lindsey Rohan (C, fr.), Kelsey Wirth (C, fr.)
Key games: After a pair of tough non-conference matchups against Downers Grove South March 29 and Hinsdale South April 9, the Redwings take on East Suburban Catholic Conference powers Marist April 28 and Marian Catholic May 5.
Home opener: Downers Grove South (March 29)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photo by Dennis Sieron
Jaimie Makowski was cleared in January to play for Benet after a scary health issue.By Alex Janco
Downers Grove Reporter
Tue Mar 20, 2007, 02:01 PM CDT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Story Tools: Email This | Print This
Lisle, IL - For Benet Academy senior Jaimie Makowski, life has always been about softball.
However, as recently as six months ago, softball took a back seat as she battled the scare of her life.
After a freak fall that wound up giving her a concussion, it was found that she had a spot on her brain. That’s when her priorities switched from being one of the best players on the field to making sure she was simply healthy enough to live her everyday life.
“I didn’t know if I would be able to play, but I did get cleared in January,” Makowski said. “I haven’t been able to prepare as much as I would have wanted to and I’m really still taking it day by day. I’m still optimistic about this season.
“When you’re told you have a spot on your brain, softball kind of goes out the window. It changed my life a little because that’s usually all I would think about. It did help me focus.”
On top of that, Makowski also suffered a bout of amnesia after the fall, which scared her, as well, and alerted her that there was something bigger wrong with her.
Two years ago, Makowski also dealt with a torn meniscus which affected her range, but didn’t deter her from coming back in time for the playoffs that season, helping the Redwings to a sectional championship.
Benet coach Jerry Schilf uses her work ethic as an example, saying that even despite her bumps and bruises, she gives her all and because of that she’s one of the team’s leaders — and not just because she’s a senior.
“She missed a lot of time as a sophomore, but came back and played through the pain and wound up getting the game-winning double in the sectional final,” Schilf said. “She’s got power and she’ll be our big hitter. We’re expecting big things from her. I think she still struggles with her mobility, but she just fights through everything.
“She had five home runs last year and I wouldn’t be surprised if she was in double digits this year.”
This year, the Redwings have a tremendously young team, but one with a lot of promise if everything goes right. Makowski believes all the team needs is a little bit of time before things start going Benet’s way.
“This year, we aren’t starting off with the best softball players, but we’re starting off with a group that’s really athletic,” Makowski said. “Over the past couple of weeks, it’s been nice seeing how the girls have transformed and for the younger kids, it’s their chance to improve and get better. If we can stay focused and mentally tough, I think we’ll be OK. It’s all about putting everything together.
“I think a lot of the girls will be looking to me (as a senior) to get the job done. I don’t get nervous and I know what to do because I’ve been there. I feel that I need to lead the team.”
Because of her health problems, Makowski wasn’t able to pursue any colleges as actively as she would have liked and says she’s planning on walking on somewhere next year.
“I really missed the opportunity last year,” she said. “But I know that this is my last season and I’m a senior and coach is counting on me and now I’m just going to give it all I’ve got.”
Redwings at a glance
Last year’s record: 29-9
Coach: Jerry Schilf (8th year)
Home field: Benet Academy, 2200 Maple Ave., Lisle
Top returning players: Jaimie Makowski (1B, sr.), Laura Canulli (SS, jr.), Kaitlin Coari (CF, so.), Kelsey Gallo (2B, so.), Claire Geyer (P/OF, so.), Meghan Eastman (P, so.), Lindsay Winegard (OF/P, sr.), Courtney Makowski (3B, so.)
Promising newcomers: Kathleen Allen (OF, so.), Lindsey Rohan (C, fr.), Kelsey Wirth (C, fr.)
Key games: After a pair of tough non-conference matchups against Downers Grove South March 29 and Hinsdale South April 9, the Redwings take on East Suburban Catholic Conference powers Marist April 28 and Marian Catholic May 5.
Home opener: Downers Grove South (March 29)