A Swing of Faith

When some people are faced with adversity they are afraid of the challenge ahead to overcome the circumstances. Many will take on the challenge and conquer, numerous will fall short through the process.

Now a freshman on the UTEP Softball team, she knows any challenge thrown her way is achievable. She has overcame at her lowest moment in life 3 years ago, when the ability to walk was nearly taken away.

This is the story of UTEP Softball player Ariel Blair.

Ariel fell in love with softball at an early age, she first had a taste of softball when watching her father Jason, play in local and out of town softball tournaments. The environment of competiveness and playing open her eyes to a sport she would soon love to play. Ariel is an El Paso Softball product, coming out of Hanks High School she had a prestige’s career being a 4 year varsity letterman. Her parents helped her develop by practicing with her countless hours, and they also had her on a traveling team which played in many out of town tournaments.

On the way back from a summer out of town tournament before her sophomore year, Ariel had an upset stomach and a sore throat. The following day she felt numbness in her feet. Her mother Rachel felt it was best to take her to the doctor. The only solution the doctor came up with, was that she was suffering from vitamin deficiency.

A few days later Ariel than felt the same numbness she had in her feet, now taking place in her hand. The Blair’s were than instructed to take Ariel to see a neurologist. Within 15 minutes in seeing the neurologist, Ariel was quickly admitted to Providence Children’s Hospital where they performed more test such as spinal tap, MRIs, and CAT scans. Ariel was than diagnosed with Guillain – Barre Syndrome, which is a condition where the immune system attacks the nervous system.

Ariel’s condition worsen, as the numbness spread from her feet to her knees and also from finger tips to her elbow. The doctors let the Blair’s know there was no cure, they would soon have to prepare for Ariel to be in a wheel chair.

“I was scared to be honest,” said Jason. “Knowing as a father that there is nothing you can do because there is no cure, it makes you feel hopeless and useless.”

Ariel was determine not to be in a wheel chair. She saw the facial expressions on her parent’s faces and knew at that exact moment she would overcome this. With the support of family and friends, she knew the challenge ahead and knew she would overcome it with the help of faith on her side.

“I wasn’t going to be in a wheel chair,” said Ariel. “I knew, whatever would happen I would be fine because I had God with me and the support of my family.”

Soon after the numbness went away, Ariel started physical therapy. She attended therapy 5 days a week for 2 hours, she hit a mental block when wanting to do more than her body was letting her do.

“I struggled in the beginning, said Ariel. ” My mind was telling me to do more but my body physically couldn’t.”

Soon after Ariel finished rehab she was back to playing sports. She was still diagnose but that didn’t stop her from participation, the uphill battle was the affects after she was done with her activities.

“I was on modified time to practice and play,” said Ariel. “I would run or do intense workouts and feel fatigue, my body was tired.”

Through Ariel’s adversity and hard work she was able to land a Division 1 scholarship with UTEP. Ariel’s decision to go with the Miners was built on family support and also being able to play in front of her home town. She has found the transition from high school to college fairly easy academically and in athletics.

“I’m prepared coming in,” said Ariel.” After getting sick it pushed me more, it made me come back stronger than I was.”

With Ariel only being a freshman she has many things to offer in the future. Her main focus this year would be spreading her faith amongst the softball team. She would like to be an example to the others that with faith anything can be done and accomplished.

“I would like to spread my faith amongst the team, I want them to understand with faith anything is possible,” said Ariel.

With a new coaching staff and incoming players, Ariel and the Miners are looking to do one thing. That is to Win. Her expectations are high in turning around the program, she would like to let people know that UTEP does have a softball program.

“One of our team goals is to make the conference championship.” said Ariel.

With a swing of a bat Ariel is able to play the game she loves. She understands that softball was almost taken away and she values her ability to play more than ever. The young Miner strongly believes with faith anything is possible. The future is bright for this young Miner, we will just have to wait and see one swing at a time.