Jessica Kohut, Dean's List Student, Elementary Education/Psychology major and also NCAA Division III Softball player for The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), was honored with the 2007 Honda Inspiration Award. This award is given annually to one outstanding female athlete who has excelled in her sport while overcoming great adversity. In 2006, while pitching a double header, Jess was hit directly in the face with a line drive traveling at speeds around 90 mph.

Following her injury, Kohut underwent extensive surgery to repair facial fractures that included bone structure and nerve damage as well as sinus passageway orientation. After a 7 month absence from basic conditioning and physical activity, she rejoined her team during practice sessions. Upon her return to softball this spring, she transitioned from pitcher to starting first baseman in order to fill in for another player who had a season ending injury. Since her return, she has also pitched two innings. She wears a protective plastic facemask during games and practice.

Kohut says that while she was extremely nervous about her return to softball, the support she received from her coach and teammates helped her to overcome her fear and get back on the field. “Softball has been a part of me almost my entire life,” she says, “and I knew I would have regretted ending my 16-year run because of my injury. I have had so many amazing experiences playing ball, and I wanted to come back to end my college career on a positive note. I told myself, ’If I can come back from this injury, I can overcome anything else that is thrown at me the rest of my life.’” Like all Inspiration Award winners, Jess was chosen not only for her athletic achievements, but also for her strength of character and for the outstanding example she sets for young women everywhere.

We commend Jess on her bravery, returning to softball. This woman is an inspiration to people everywhere!