Former Southmoreland softball slugger on mend after shoulder surgery

Adeline Nicholson pushed a rock up a hill for the better part of three years.

A worsening shoulder injury nagged her college career and threatened to stop it. But somehow, Nicholson did not let it slow her down.

She played through some pain at Slippery Rock for two years and continued to combat increasing discomfort when she transferred to Division I Morehead State (Ky.) this year.

But when her sophomore season was stalled 16 games in due to the novel coronavirus, Nicholson decided it was time for a fix. It was time for the pain to go away.

The Southmoreland graduate and talented first baseman recently had surgery in Pittsburgh to repair a torn right labrum. She had anchors inserted to remedy a glenoid fracture or, a fracture of the shoulder socket.

Dr. James P. Bradley was Nicholson’s surgeon.

A team-leading .436 batting average — plus a home run and nine RBIs — masked the injury well this season.

She also led the Eagles with a .522 on-base percentage and finished 17 for 39 at the plate.

The 5-foot-10 Nicholson batted clean up, played first and even led off in the final two games before the shutdown, which she enjoyed.

Only those close to her knew she was carrying the weight of an injury that literally sat heavy on her shoulder.

“I tore my labrum prior to my senior season in high school and over time it had gotten worse,” she said. “This summer was optimal timing for the surgery.”

Nicholson said she still would have had the surgery after the season, but the NCAA cancellation accelerated the process.

While she was quite effective in games, she was limited in practices as to give the shoulder a break.

“I was not allowed to throw at practice all season, and it was very painful to swing a bat,” she said. “I was just trying to get through the season and then have the surgery.”

A power-hitter of growing reputation in the Ohio Valley Conference, Nicholson has been enduring physical therapy, something she will have to do for the next six months. That puts her at around January for a return to throwing and swinging a bat.

“I think Addy is a very competitive athlete who is dedicated to be the best she can be on any given day,” Morehead State coach Samantha Jones said. “Her constant work ethic at practice, in the weight room, and especially in the classroom all show how dedicated she is to herself, teammates, and the MSU softball program.”

The setback which again did not seem to affect her play has taken somewhat of a toll on the incoming junior.

“I am very happy to finally have gotten it fixed, although I am nervous about the recovery.” she said. “I currently need help getting dressed and doing everyday things, so I am nervous to go back to school where I have to do everything on my own.

“I am hoping after the first couple weeks that the pain isn’t as bad.”

Nicholson said support from her teammates and coaches allowed her to deal with the injury. That same group will be pivotal in her return.

“I was really focused going into the season; I really enjoy my team,” she said. “Having fun and playing with your best friends makes playing well easier.”

While at Slippery Rock, Nicholson, who took a redshirt in 2018, played in 44 games the following year and hit .292 with six home runs and 30 RBIs.