When C.J. Hermes took the field for the first time this season during Sunday's Senior Day against Ohio, an emotional and heartwarming moment followed.
Hermes assumed her position, rested her stick on the turf while the rest of the team looked in her direction. The biggest smile appeared on her face. As soon as the game began, Hermes jogged to the Ball State sideline and remained there for the rest of the game.
The special moment quickly came and went, but Hermes will forever remember it. A series of horrific injuries has virtually ended Hermes' playing career at Ball State.
During her freshman season, Hermes was diagnosed with Compartment Syndrome, a serious condition that causes increased pressure in a muscle compartment. The disease can lead to muscle and nerve damage and problems with blood flow.
Shortly after learning of her condition, Hermes underwent a bilateral fasciotomy on both of her legs. The procedure relieved the tension in her legs and, within time, Hermes made a full recovery.
But the problems lingered, and before she knew it, Hermes was dealt another serious blow.
"I came back my sophomore year and struggled with hip and back issues," Hermes said. "Finally, in January of my junior year, they sent me to a hip specialist in Indianapolis and he got the ball rolling to get my hip repaired arthroscopically."
Hermes said the surgery rebuilt a torn ligament, released a snapping tendon and reshaped her hip socket.
The long and taxing road to recovery wasn't going to get the best of her. With a relentless attitude and work ethic, Hermes defied the odds and played in all 20 games, including four starts during her junior season.
In her four starts, Hermes recorded her first career-goal on Sept. 27, 2011 at Longwood and tallied another score against Kent State on Oct. 17, 2011.
Though Hermes hasn't been able to physically contribute to her team, she was honored when coach Beth Maddox inserted her name into the starting lineup against Ohio.
"It meant a lot that Beth would do that for me," Hermes said. "It just meant a lot that she was able to let me [start], even though I wasn't out there for very long."
Following the Cardinals' 2-1 overtime loss to the Bobcats, Maddox praised Hermes for her hard work and effort to make a comeback.
"To be 20-years old and have hip surgery, it's just not ideal and it just sucks," Maddox said. "She's been resilient and she's spunky, sassy and keeps pushing through. [Sunday] was important for her and for us. We wanted to make sure and let her know that we appreciate her."
When the game was over, Hermes was all smiles as she walked off the field with her teammates.
"I definitely would not be here if it wasn't for my team," Hermes said. "Honestly, they're my best friends. I wouldn't be able to do what I've done for the team this year without them being there and helping me."
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