A close brush with death will not deter Olmsted Falls sophomore Brooke Largent from pursuing her passion for sports.
Despite facing a life-threatening injury during a game on April 11, 2023, this promising Division I prospect is gearing up to step onto the field in a Bulldogs’ uniform for the first time.
Reflecting on her journey, Largent expressed, “It almost feels surreal. The road to recovery seemed endless, but finally being able to resume activities and return to my previous form is truly gratifying.”
During a Southwestern Conference match against Elyria, midway through the 2023 season, Largent was involved in a collision with a teammate that resulted in severe internal injuries, including bleeding from a lacerated kidney and liver, along with a collapsed lung.
Thanks to the swift actions of Elyria’s trainer, Ann Hamker, Largent received timely medical attention at multiple hospitals, one of which happened to be where her mother, April Largent, worked.
Coach Largent emphasized the gravity of internal injuries, noting, “It’s challenging because the severity is often underestimated. Even two weeks post-injury, she appeared fine outwardly, despite the ongoing internal struggles.”
The recovery phase proved arduous for Largent, who faced difficulties climbing stairs and experienced discomfort during certain movements. She shared, “Initially, it was tough. Simple tasks like climbing stairs became daunting, and I had to rely on others for assistance. There were moments when I would forget about the injury, only to be reminded by physical limitations. While I supported my teammates, not being able to actively participate was disheartening.”
Surprisingly, Largent’s recovery progressed faster than anticipated, granting her clearance to participate in fall softball by late summer.
She joined the Chargers Under-16 travel team, which featured several players from the Morning Journal coverage area.
Despite striking out in her initial at-bat against Elyria Catholic’s Harper Morgan, Largent showcased resilience by delivering multiple extra-base hits later in the game, much to the delight of Coach Largent.
Describing her fall ball debut, Coach Largent recalled, “She hadn’t faced live pitching since her injury. I reassured her that even if she struck out, the fact that she was back on the field was a victory in itself. In her subsequent at-bats, she smashed a double and continued to excel, reaffirming her prowess.”
Heading into the 2024 season, Largent was appointed captain as a sophomore, a testament to her leadership qualities honed during her time with the girls’ basketball state championship team in 2023-24.
Despite serving as a reserve player on the junior varsity squad, she drew inspiration from the championship culture she witnessed and aimed to instill similar values in the softball team.
Expressing her aspirations, Largent stated, “I strive to be a role model and a supportive teammate. My goal is to set a high standard for our program, emphasizing collective effort over individual achievements.”
Acknowledging the rarity of a sophomore assuming a leadership role, teammates lauded Largent for her vibrant personality and assertiveness in crucial situations.
According to Coach Largent, his daughter’s unwavering determination and mental fortitude are her standout attributes. Despite grappling with Tourette Syndrome and physical tics, Largent never allowed these challenges to compromise her performance, setting a benchmark for excellence.
Coach Largent commended, “Brooke is arguably one of the most mentally resilient athletes I’ve coached. She has confronted Tourette Syndrome, battled through her injury, and faced obstacles that many others haven’t. What sets her apart is her refusal to use these hurdles as excuses; instead, she confronts them head-on with unwavering resolve.”
Prior to her injury, Largent dominated various offensive categories, boasting an impressive batting average (.476), on-base percentage (.560), 12 runs, and three doubles. Her exceptional performance hinted at a record-breaking season in terms of runs scored.
Her return to the field has infused the team with renewed energy as they gear up to kick off the season against North Olmsted on March 23.
Coach Largent revealed that Division I and II college scouts have shown interest in the talented center fielder, underscoring her potential at the collegiate level.
Despite a relatively young roster, Olmsted Falls faced a challenging season, concluding with an 8-17 record (3-11 in SWC). The team comprises two seniors and four underclassmen, poised for growth and development under Largent’s leadership.