RADFORD, Va. - Radford Athletics is proud to announce the 2023–24 Professional Rehab Associates Comeback Student Athletes of the Year. Jillian Silverstone (Women's Soccer) and Scott Rouse (Baseball) have been selected as this year's recipients. The comeback student athletes are recognized as individuals who have bounced back from a serious injury to successfully return to competition and is presented to one male and one female student-athlete who best exemplify the comeback spirit and what it means to be a Highlander.
In October of 2022, Silverstone fell during a tackle and tore her shoulder labrum. She was taped up, won her first Big South Championship, and was eventually named to the all-tournament team. During the spring of 2023, Silverstone worked harder than anyone to get her shoulder stronger and get back on the soccer field. Then, in preseason 2023, she took another fall on that same shoulder right after getting cleared to return to full soccer participation. As the 2023 season continued, Silverstone continued to work on her shoulder and helped guide the team to back-to-back Big South women's soccer championships.
"I want to thank Radford Athletics & Professional Rehab Associates for selecting me as this year's Female Comeback Student Athlete of the Year," commented Silverstone. "Megan and the athletic training staff pushed me during my recovery journey. Nolan, Brittany, and the entire Professional Rehab Associates team were so helpful with my labrum and helped me return to the competition faster than expected."
"Jill is one of the most hard-working student athletes that I have worked with at Radford," said Radford athletics trainer Megan Dee. "When rehab got hard and she wanted to give up, she kept pushing and would work harder the next day. It's been a pleasure to work with her over these past few years and I can't wait to see her dominate on the field again in the fall."
Last season, Rouse was struck with a line drive and suffered a subdural hematoma which is when blood pools between the brain and its outermost covering and can be life threatening. Despite the injury, Rouse earned the academic achievement of being on the Dean's list for each of the last two semesters. His return to the field is only possible by encouraging CT scans, protective equipment and by playing specific sports like baseball.
"I want to thank Radford Athletics for selecting me as the Male Comeback Student Athlete of the Year," said Rouse. "John Shifflet and the entire athletic training staff were crucial in helping me return to baseball."
"Scott has demonstrated incredible resiliency to overcome his head injury," commented Radford athletic trainer John Shifflet. "It can be very difficult watching your peers while feeling completely normal. Scott did this for the majority of last season, and his training throughout the summer had to be modified. When he toed the rubber at Georgia Tech it required physical healing, but he also overcame large mental hurdles. His return to playing baseball should be celebrated and inspiring for all student-athletes."
"When student-athletes compete, sometimes they get hurt. Jill and Scott both suffered setbacks last season, but with hard work, determination and a lot of grit they were able to overcome adversity and make it back to the playing field. We are very proud of both of them. Nolan and Brittany and the entire team at Professional Rehab Associates are with our Sports Medicine staff and student-athletes every step of the way from prevention techniques to rehabilitation of those injuries that do occur and then to a safe return to play. It is a valuable partnership that benefits our entire department." – Chad Hyatt, Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine
"Professional Rehab Associates is a proud partner of Radford University Athletics and we are excited to see the efforts of two of the many student-athletes we interact with and care for yield a successful return to competition. Scott and Jillian are very deserving of this year's award as Comeback Athletes of the Year. It has been great to track their return and see their success help their teams. We wish them and all of the Highlanders a successful season and finish to their academic year. We look forward to offering ongoing care and support of Highlander Athletics." – Nolan Stewart, President & Owner Professional Rehab Associates.
Professional Rehab Associates is a proud partner of Radford Athletics and is the presenting partner of the Comeback Student Athletes of the Year. Professional Rehab Associates is family-owned, locally operated, and ready to help with all of your wellness and physical therapy needs. Their team of dedicated and experienced physical therapists can help with receiving the best care within the New River Valley and surrounding areas. Learn more about their team of specialists and how they can help you and find more information at www.professionalrehabassociates.com.
