Entering her third year as a member of the Cavaliers, forward Kelly Hammond looked prime for a historic season.
As a sophomore, Hammond led Virginia in points (30), goals (12) and game-winning goals (6). She was a first-team All-ACC member as well as a second-team All-American. Yet, through the team's first 16 games, Hammond has scored only six goals and is fourth on the team in total points. These are undoubtedly solid numbers, but not what many expected from the Hermann Award finalist, given annually to the nation's top collegiate player. Surprisingly enough, Hammond's altered play can be attributed to a single event.
On Aug. 2, Hammond was driving from her home state of Maryland down to Charlottesville for the start of preseason. With about 10 minutes left in her six-hour drive, Hammond's car lost control. According to witnesses, the car swerved across Route 29 going approximately 55 to 60 mph. Hammond's Jeep flipped five times, ejecting Hammond on the second flip 30 yards from the car.
"I don't remember anything that happened," Hammond said. "But the witnesses said it looked like a human cannonball."
The people nearby quickly called the paramedics, and ambulances were on the scene within minutes. When they arrived, the paramedics found Hammond unconscious on the side of the road, and according to the victim, they "didn't think I was going to make it."
In need of treatment faster than an ambulance could provide, Hammond was flown by helicopter to the University of Virginia Medical Center.
"The next thing I remember was like 2:30 in the morning," Hammond said. "They X-rayed every single thing on my whole body, and nothing was broken. It was a complete miracle. I have horrible, horrible scars up and down both sides of my leg. I was bleeding everywhere, staples in my head. But I didn't break any bones."
In addition to the scars, Hammond suffered a separated shoulder but no further permanent, physical damage. Miraculously, Hammond was able to recover in time to make the team's preseason trip to Brazil less than three weeks later. Despite not being cleared to play, Hammond still describes the trip as "amazing."
Maybe still more incredible, Hammond's first game back from injury was Virginia's season opener against East Carolina Aug. 27. She has started every game for the Cavaliers this season despite not being at full strength until just recently.
"For the first three weeks to a month and a half, it was pretty bad," Hammond said. "There was a lot of pain on a regular basis. Just dealing with it mentally was a really tough part for me."
With just one regular season game remaining for the Cavaliers, Hammond's return to full strength could not have come at a better time. Not only does she provide the team with an oft needed offensive jump start, but her mere presence provides inspiration for those around her every time she steps on the field.
"It was hard for her because her role had to change a little bit," Virginia coach Steve Swanson said. "I think she deserves a lot of credit. She never got down, she just kept pushing it. The healing took place, and I think we're seeing a very healthy, strong Kelly Hammond. And we need it, we need her right now."
The Cavaliers may need 100 percent of Hammond in order to accomplish the team's goals this season. But in the wake of her preseason accident, this All-American is just happy she still has 100 percent left to give.
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