Franklin Regional girls soccer forward on the mend after violent gym class collision

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 | 6:11 PM

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It was Aug. 27, the fourth day of school.

A “team sports” gym class was underway at Franklin Regional, and teachers decided the game of the day would be co-ed softball.

Allyssa Velasquez said there was some reluctance at first, but the game went on.

Her afternoon changed in an instant, though — with one, big thud.

“I was playing left outfield when a fly ball got hit several feet in the air in my direction,” said Velasquez, a junior soccer player for the Panthers. “When I went for it, I was looking straight up into the air and a boy was doing same thing, I guess. He came from his position (in the infield) and ran right into me.”

The accidental collision with a much larger football player sent Velasquez’s soccer season into a tailspin as she suddenly had to deal with multiple facial fractures.

She crashed to the ground with force. When she opened her eyes, she saw green turf and people standing around her.

“I just remember flying back what felt like several feet onto the ground of our football field,” she said. “I felt an immediate pain on the left side of my face. I would describe it as a pain that feels like it would go away, so I got up and tried to walk it off. But shortly, I realized the pain was not getting any better and I had to sit back down.”

Velasquez went to the hospital to confront the revelation she had broken bones above and below her eye, as well as in her cheek and jaw.

“A jawbone was broken in several pieces,” she said. “They didn’t think they would have to do surgery at first, but after a few weeks went by, my surgeon decided that she should go in to fix the bone in my cheek because of the way that it was broken.”

She said her cheek bone looked “kicked in,” prompting the procedure.

“She made a small incision in the upper left side of my mouth and used a device to sort of pop the bones back out,” Velasquez said.

The 5-foot-5 forward has missed about one month, and there was some question about whether she would return this season. Some recent positive news brought optimism.

“We received awesome news that I can return in two weeks, meaning I should be able to play at least one more regular-season game and in playoffs,” Velasquez said.

She has been on a soft food and liquid diet but is expected to return to normal nourishment soon. The special diet was to rest her jawbones and prevent misalignment.

A mask won’t be necessary, doctors told her, when she returns to play.

“This setback has taught me that I’m stronger than I think I am,” Velasquez said. “It has also taught me resilience and patience. Also, the value of being a part of a team. My teammates have really helped me to get through this hardship.”

Franklin Regional coach Scott Arnold said Velasquez will get back to noncontact training this week. The plan is to ease her back into the lineup.

“We are going to do our best with her return to train and play process to do it in a safe way, so she is able to be an impactful player for us for the last few games and playoffs,” Arnold said. “We are very excited to see Allyssa back on the field. This injury was less about physical toughness and more about her mental toughness and resilience.”

Arnold said she has attended practices and games while showing support and offering advice where applicable.

“I know she really wanted to play more games with our seniors,” the coach said. “It’s great that she will have the chance to play meaningful games with them.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Franklin Regional