Emily Stauffer of Cocalico won the PTFCA indoor shot put title as a freshman. And followed that up with a silver medal at the PIAA Outdoor Championships. But this winter just as she finished a string or PR's (indoor or outdoor), she injured her throwing arm. The injury required surgery. But instead of sitting back and just doing rehab and watching other compete, she asked, and received the OK to try the shot put from the left. And guess what? She is getting better all the time, and is hoping to place at District in May. PennTrackXC had a few questions for this remarkable and quite resilent, athlete.
PTXC: How did you get into the shot put?
ES: I first started shot put in 7th grade when I heard about it from a friend. I had a lot of success with it so I decided to do it in high school and start training more seriously for it.
PTXC: What other sports have you done?
ES: I also am the goalie for field hockey and have been playing that since 7th grade also.
PTXC: Are you locked in on the shot put, or are you hoping to develop the discus in the future?
ES: I was hoping to improve and learn the spin for discus this year but my injury has set that back. I want to develop my skills in disc when I am fully recovered to make myself a more well rounded thrower.
PTXC: What are your favorite parts of the shot? Greatest challenges as far as the technical aspects and training?
ES: One of my favorite parts about the shot put is how it's individualized. If I have a bad throwing day, I can reflect back on how I threw and what to improve on. Some challenges with the technique are the technique itself. Positions create power which helps you throw far. Without that, you won't. I also love the training for shot. I love to lift and do drills.
PTXC: You had an all-time PR of 45-4, and three of your four best all-time shot put marks at the beginning of indoor? How were you feeling at that point?
ES: I felt really good at the beginning of indoor season, because I had thrown some big PRs and I knew the training and work I had put in had paid off. I also knew it was just he beginning of the season so I wasn't even at my peak stage yet! I was very excited for indoor.
PTXC: Talk about the injury that sidelined your indoor season and has dramatically affected your outdoor?
ES: In January, I was lifting and I dislocated my shoulder. I got and MRI showing me what I had torn and fractured and I had decisions to make. I could have either thrown this season, but not be able to preform to my highest ability, or I could get the surgery and try and recover. I chose the surgery because it would have killed me to be throwing with half effort, and not my full potential. I have 6-9 months of recovery.
PTXC: You’re just a sophomore, but how have you been coping with the injury and recovery?
ES: My coach, friends and family have been helping me get through this tough time. They have been supporting and always being optimistic. I have two more years left in high school to finish what I started freshman year. I have been going to therapy at ProCare. It's about a 40 minute drive but it is well worth it. It's very encouraging to me knowing that my therapists believe in me and they want the best for me.
PTXC: Talk about the decision to try to switch to your left arm?
ES: When I first got my surgery in February, I was really anxious and ready to be fully recovered. It was painful to go to meets and watch shot put and not compete. I asked my surgeon if I could be cleared to throw left handed and I was. It's really going to help me in the long run with cross training and mentally.
PTXC: What has that process been like? Challenges? Surprises? Benchmarks?
ES: Throwing left hand did not come as easily as I thought it was going to. It's been very challenging and frustrating for me, but also rewarding. I threw 32-7 in the first meet I competed in and that was defiantly a confident booster. After that I decided to set some goals. I want to make districts and hopefully place at the league meet. The district qualifying number is around 36, but last year 34 and 35 got in. I also want to continue training left handed until I am fully cleared for right hand to help balance me out. I will be going to the rest of our dual meets and a couple more invites to try and get my mark.
PTXC: What can you draw on from your progression from the right side to help you start over on the left?
ES: A lot of technique from right hand carries over to the left. Since I am unable to block with my right shoulder, I have to focus on using my legs and hip to finish the throw. It's been a challenge, but not one that I'm willing to give up on.
PTXC: What is the rehab for your injury? Prognosis? Once recovered, any cautions moving forward? Timeline to return to the right arm?
ES: I've been in rehab since February and it's been going great. My shoulder is healing up quickly and stronger than before. As for right handed, they are looking at August at the earliest and November at the latest until full 100% recovery.
PTXC: What is a typical week of training?
ES: My training varies from week to week. I have therapy 2-3 times a week so it can get very hectic. The days I don't have therapy I do things in the cardio and weight room, along with throwing.
PTXC: And talk about the significance of getting one championship and a runner-up at the two state meets as a freshman?
ES: With some of my accomplishments as a freshman, and even indoor sophomore year, it takes off some of the pressure for me. I was really freaked out that I was not going to have an opportunity to be looked at for recruiting purposes, but with some of those accomplishments, I know my name is out there.
Emily Stauffer's Athlete Profile
