Seaton High softball umpire Briahn Cammell overcomes terrifying injury, nominated for School Sports Award
A horrible footy injury rocked Briahn Cammell’s world. But now she’s turned her focus and been nominated for an SA School Sports Award. See how you can nominate a young star here.
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Briahn Cammell’s sporting career came to a crashing halt last year.
The 15-year-old dual-sport star was taking part in an open girls school football competition when she suffered a terrifying injury.
“The ball was rolling on the ground and I went in for a contest and I got a knee in the back then lost feeling of my right leg altogether,” the keen football and softball player said.
“It took about a month to get the feeling back, so I was temporarily paralysed, as I had jammed a nerve in my right leg.
“I was in a wheelchair for about two weeks and the last two weeks I was on crutches.”
Rather than dwell on the negatives, the Seaton High School student used her injury as a positive.
She decided to take up softball coaching, scoring and umpiring, while also helping to mentor younger players.
Cammell, who will soon have a level one softball coaching certificate, has been nominated for an SA School Sports Award.
The Year 9 student has been recognised in the officials category of the awards – a joint initiative of The Advertiser, Messenger and Department of Education School.
“It was hard because I had to drop all my sports and just work back up to being able to run,” she said.
“Umpiring, coaching and scoring is a good way to get out there and still feel involved with the game even though I can’t play.
“I enjoy watching kids improve after I have been coaching and helping them out, then watching them play and thrive during a game is awesome.
“I still play softball for school and I tried to play club but I just couldn’t get myself to the right standard that I wanted to be.”
Cammell was honoured to have been nominated for a School Sports Award and has a long-term goal of coaching club softball in the near future
“To be recognised and be nominated is pretty good,” Cammell, of Seaton, said.
“I’ve worked quite hard to get here, so I’m happy.”
The School Sports Awards recognise and reward the outstanding sporting achievements of young people in our community.
There are three major award categories in – individual female and male, rural and metropolitan, primary and secondary with eight finalists awards.
Young people between the ages of 10 and 18 who are enrolled in an SA primary or secondary school are eligible to be nominated.
To nominate a team, individual or an official, click here.
The winners will be announced next month.
