Softball 5/5/2023 12:04:00 PM Chris Kuchta

McDivitt’s Road to Success a Lesson in Defeating Adversity

Prosthetic Foot Has Never Slowed PSC Freshman Softball Player

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill. --- At first glance, you don't even notice.

As a matter of fact, at second and third glance, you don't notice either.

Even when told about it, you can't really see it and definitely can't believe it.

Prairie State freshman Colby McDivitt baffles hitters from inside the circle with an impressive repertoire of breaking pitches, plays a solid second base, handles the bat with efficiency and is one of her team's best base runners.

Now, prepare to be stunned.

She does all of this with a prosthetic left foot.

After being fitted with a prosthesis, following an accident at age three, McDivitt has seemingly never missed a beat. Running as fluidly as any athlete with two natural feet, McDivitt navigates the softball field without even the slightest hitch in her step.

"Lots of people never notice that I have a prosthesis and if they do, it's after a very long time," McDivitt said. "I've even had teammates not realize it for the longest times either."

More amazing than the fact that McDivitt is able to do the things she does is that she does them with a standard prosthesis, not one of the sport-specific models that are commonly seen in athletic competitions like the Paralympics.

The type of procedure that McDivitt underwent, known as a "Boyd Amputation," leaves patients with both their heel and ankle joint. Because of this, the bladed style of prosthetic typically worn by an athlete was not a viable option.

"My prosthetic is the standard type and it isn't meant for doing anything other than walking," McDivitt said. "You really aren't supposed to be running or playing sports with this particular kind. Because of this, my prosthetic breaks quite a bit, so I'm always either getting a replacement or getting one repaired.

"We did try a sport one (blade prosthesis) and it was pretty obvious pretty quickly that it wasn't going to work, so I've always used the standard one."

For McDivitt, who has vivid memories of using a walker and relearning how to walk in the aftermath of her accident, sports became an early interest.

"I remember watching my brother (Colton) play baseball when I was probably five or so," McDivitt said. "I started off playing tee ball when I was eight years old and my brother and I played a lot.

"When we did something wrong, as punishment, my Dad would make my brother and I play catch for two hours. The thing is, we actually loved it and it really wasn't something that was a punishment for us."

Baseball, and later softball, weren't the only sports that McDivitt competed in.

A native of Buckingham, Illinois (population 236) McDivitt also played point guard on the basketball team at Herscher High School.

After a standout career on both the diamond and hardwood, McDivitt figured her days as a competitive athlete were likely over.

Enter PSC head softball coach Frank Wilkins.

Wilkins, the Pioneers' skipper since 2015, received a head's up about McDivitt from his daughter, Julie, who just happened to be watching her stepdaughter play in a game in which McDivitt was also playing.

"In all my twenty-plus years as a head college softball coach, coaching three All-Americans and taking a team to the College World Series, I have never coached an athlete like Colby," Wilkins said. "In 2023 it is easy to get lost in the negatives, the 'this is hard' and 'I can't.' But with Colby, despite her challenges, it's never like that. She brings a smile and positive energy every time. She's the first one onto the field and the last one off. Not once have I ever heard her complain.

"Colby's dedication and hard work is why she's always on the field, either as my number one pitcher or playing second base. Not only does Colby excel in fielding, but she is also one of my top hitters. This is why she's a poster player for all athletes."

Based off his daughter's recommendation, Wikins came out to watch McDivitt play in a summer league game. His first impression of her was definitely a positive one.

"I remember thinking, 'holy cow, she's a pretty good ballplayer'," Wilkins said. "You could tell right away that she had the heart and the desire to be a leader and to be a very good college softball player. She's the type of player and person that you would want in your program. She's someone who can be a positive example not only to her teammates, but really any athlete and just people in general."

McDivitt has certainly earned the respect of her teammates as well.

"The whole team is inspired by her," sophomore captain Mariana Serratos said. "It's very hard to not be inspired by her and by what she's accomplished. She really sets the standard for our program. She's a great player and I'm proud to call her a teammate."

Being an inspiration to young athletes in similar situations is something that is not lost on McDivitt either.

"I knew a girl who had begun playing softball who had lost a leg and an arm," McDivitt said. "I've been able to help her out. It's exciting to see someone who has an amputation having success in sports and to be able to realize how fun it can be.

"Hopefully I'm a little bit of an inspiration to athletes who are having some challenges. I'd like to think I'm a good example of when you set your mind to something, you can do anything."

Transitioning from high school competition to that of the junior college level has been near seamless for the 5-foot-5 McDivitt.

The two-way player's numbers on both sides of the softball have been impressive, to say the least.

Currently third on the Pioneers in hitting with a .375 average, McDivitt has compiled 15 multiple-hit games, driven in 24 runs, scored 23 runs and compiled an on base percentage of .433 (good for second on the team). She's also stolen four bases.

As a hitter, McDivitt uses the entire field and rarely strikes out, fanning just 11 times in 128 at bats.

McDivitt has also impressed from the pitching circle, making 20 starts and registering a record of 8-9 with a very respectable 4.34 earned run average.

Though not a high-velocity slinger, McDivitt has punched out 100 hitters on the campaign in 138.2 innings of work.

"I've really enjoyed my time at Prairie State," McDivitt said. "I like the dynamic of our team and I'm excited for what we can do next year."

As is the case with most athletes who excel, McDivitt is backed by a strong support system at home, the foundation of which are her parents, Amanda and Brandon.

"My parents have played a huge role in my career", said McDivitt, a psychology major. "Without them I wouldn't have had the opportunities that I had or the encouragement to try things. Sports were big in our family with my mom playing softball in high school and my dad playing baseball, it was something that I was always exposed to and definitely helped make me who I am today."

With that type of support, McDivitt may very well just be scratching the surface of her potential both as an athlete and a teacher of overcoming adversity.

It's safe to say her best is yet to come.

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Players Mentioned

#43 Mariana Serratos: P/2B; 5' 5"; Sophomore

#3 Colby McDivitt: P/INF; 5' 5"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#43 Mariana Serratos
: 5' 5"; Sophomore
: P/2B

#3 Colby McDivitt
: 5' 5"; Freshman
: P/INF

Players Mentioned

#43 Mariana Serratos

#3 Colby McDivitt

Players Mentioned

#43 Mariana Serratos

#3 Colby McDivitt