Olivia Hudson battles through pain for CHHS
Published 11:35 pm Monday, April 29, 2013
![Olivia Hudson has had multiple knee operations during her time playing softball for Charles Henderson, but is happy to be able to help lead the team to the area tournament. (Photo/Ryan McCollough)](https://www.troymessenger.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2013/04/4.30.chhs_.sb_.web_.jpg)
Olivia Hudson has had multiple knee operations during her time playing softball for Charles Henderson, but is happy to be able to help lead the team to the area tournament. (Photo/Ryan McCollough)
A few days ago, Charles Henderson High School honored five members of its softball team on Senior Night.
All of the honorees have given effort to the school, but Olivia Hudson has perhaps given a little more.
Hudson, an anchor at first base for Charles Henderson over the past few seasons, has underwent surgery on both knees during her playing days, and is currently battling through a hip injury as the playoff push ramps up.
At first base, Hudson routinely stretches for throws and charges bunts, both of which can be unkind to the lower body, but she said she never gives it a second thought.
“It definitely hurts at times over there at first,” said Hudson. “But I know that if I stretch right and get loose then everything will be fine.”
Charles Henderson head coach Robin Snyder said that Hudson never complains about being hurt, and has been an important part of the Trojan team for the past few seasons.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if there were people on this team that didn’t she has a hip injury,” said Synder. “She is just that type of person. She is a silent leader in that she likes to show the younger players how to do with actions. She has been a blessing for sure.”
In the field, Hudson flashes the glove at first, making plays in the field and digging balls out of the dirt on errant throws.
At the plate, Hudson provides a healthy dose of power to the Trojan lineup and has sent a couple of balls over the fence at crucial times during the season.
Hudson, a senior, said that she understands her days at Charles Henderson are nearing the end, but is determined to help her team make a push in the area tournament.
“We have to take it one day at a time at practice,” said Hudson. “We know that we can win some games, and if we play together, there is an opportunity to play for a little while.”
Snyder agrees with his first baseman.
“That is the neat thing about softball,” said Snyder. “What happened before now means nothing. If you get 10 wins from now on, you have a chance to bring that blue trophy home. This team can get hot and do jus that.”
Hudson and the Trojans will take part in the Area Tournament in Headland against Ashford on Thursday at 9 a.m.