Marathon's Sasha Hornung postpones knee surgery to play final prep softball season
MARATHON - A torn knee ligament ended Sasha Hornung's basketball season just three games into the schedule this past winter.
It did not end her senior year athletically, however.
The Marathon senior postponed surgery to restructure the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee in order to compete in the final softball season of her prep career.
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The injury has obviously affected her mobility and ended her days of being a utility player for the Raiders. Hornung, who sports a large brace on her left leg, has been a key member of Marathon's pitching staff since her sophomore season but now is limited to first base when she is not in the pitching circle. The Raiders also use a pinch runner when Hornung reaches base.
Hornung was a first-team all-Marawood Conference-South Division selection as a junior, and while she might not be at the same performance level from last year, Raiders coach Chad Thurs said her presence on the team hasn't changed.
"She is just a very stable player and has that demeanor," Thurs said during the team's practice Wednesday. "She doesn't get rattled and can hit her spots (as a pitcher), the whole team just has great confidence when she is out there (in the pitcher's circle).
Hornung who also was a member of the Raiders volleyball and basketball teams recently sat down with USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin to talk about her decision to play this spring, her top pitches and some of her future plans.
How difficult of a decision was it to play this spring (with the injury) or was it something you knew you were going to do if there was a chance?
It was very tough (news). We were in the (doctor's office) and when he said that I did tear my ACL, I just started to bawl because it's senior season. My parents and I were talking about it and if it was possible to give it a go. My doctor said if you can manage it then you can do it. I just thought, 'OK, I'm going to take the challenge and do it.' I had like three months of therapy to strengthen my hamstrings and quads.
Did it take you a while to feel comfortable playing on the knee?
It was a lot more mental (than physical) because I was nervous about it and thinking about (the knee) at first. It was just getting over the mental state of, 'I'm scared to do it.' The first game my hands were shaking so bad but my first pitch was a strike and after the first inning I calmed down and thought, 'OK, I think I can do this.'
What is your go-to pitch?
A screwball which can jam the right-handers.
Is there one you have developed over the years?
I have been working on my drop-curve which has been coming along really well.
Is there a certain nickname which people call you?
Just Sash.
What has been your most memorable sports moment?
Last year when we played Athens. They had like 15 people on base (during the game) but none of them scored. For the team to help me (as a pitcher) in that situation in getting the outs was pretty cool. Everybody came together and we stopped them.
At the same time, is there a moment you would like to forget?
Losing to Phillips (6-5 in WIAA sectional title game). We had the lead and errors came in (to play). But we can't just blame it on errors. We just kind of had an off-night.
Do you have a routine before a game? A superstition?
We always do (team) throwing after stretching, and at the end of it I will pitch it to (her partner) and she throws it back to me under her leg, then I slam (the ball) in my glove (to say) 'It's game time.'
Who is your celebrity crush?
Adam Sandler.
Where is your dream vacation?
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
What is your postgraduation plan?
I am attending Marian University in Fond du Lac to become a nurse practitioner. I was going to play softball there (before the knee injury) but might become the manager instead. I still might play.
FAVORITES
Sport: Softball.
Pro or college athlete: Jennie Finch.
Music: For pregame, it's country.
Movie: Adam Sandler ones.
TV show: "The Good Doctor."
Food or meal: Cheeseburgers.
App on phone: Snapchat.