‘That’s what I am here to do’: Bagby resumes her senior season after injury, continues to be difference-maker in Russell’s quest for region repeat
· Yahoo Sports
CANNONSBURG Sophia Bagby may have coaching in her future, but the Russell senior still has unfinished business as a player.
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A knee injury forced Bagby to the sideline in late August, and the initial diagnosis sparked season-ending concerns. She attacked her rehab with the same determination she displays in a Red Devils jersey, with one goal in mind. It would not be her final time on the pitch.
Bagby quickly realized she could make the same impact on her teammates outside the lines that she made inside.
“She became coach Sophia,” Russell coach Luke McAllister said. “She always hates me saying that because that felt like to her that she was done. At the same time, she was our fourth coaching member on the sideline, encouraging, demanding, and dynamic in how tactically she did things.
“We would tell her about a minute before halftime to go take ‘em,” he continued, “and then she would talk to them during the break before we even got to them. On the side, she’s worked harder than anybody else I’ve ever seen. She said I’m going to come back. She’s worked hard in physical therapy with her doctor. She got back sooner than anybody expected.”
Bagby had her own aspirations, but the team still had a 16th Region title to defend. She became someone her team could relate to and who knew exactly what they were going through. Bagby had a front seat to nine Russell victories during her hiatus, including the Kentucky 2A state championship.
The senior’s motivation kept her moving forward during physical therapy, knowing the impact she had in the huddle couldn’t compare to what it would be on the pitch.
“It was really hard to be on that sideline as I was watching and supporting my team,” Bagby said, “but it’s so different to be out there with my best friends for my senior year playing out my last games in the postseason. I’m incredibly grateful that I get to finish this season out.”
Bagby suffered her knee injury at the 2A regional semifinals against Johnson Central on Aug. 24, leaving her with six weeks before the postseason. She dislocated her kneecap and partially tore her medial collateral and medial patellofemoral ligaments and lateral meniscus.
“When I’m on the sideline, of course, I want to be supportive, but I can only do so much,” Bagby said. “When I’m on the field, I know that I can inspire my team more. I can reach them more. I can bring energy and change mindsets and change the game.”
Bagby doesn’t hold back and said she wants to be very honest with her teammates on how they are playing.
“I like to be very vocal on what we need to change and how to get there,” Bagby said. “I’m going to do it in a respectful manner, but I do it where everybody can take me seriously. We all know that we have a job to do.”
Bagby returned to the field for Red Devils’ regular-season finale, brace in tow, against George Rogers Clark. The match took on new meaning, and she followed with two goals in the 63rd District championship game Monday.
“It was big for her to get out there and step on the field,” McAllister said. “These girls have learned how to play without her, and they’ve grown as players, but when you can add her back into the mix, and we are healthy at the right time, it’s picking everybody’s spirits up. And she’s out there scoring goals again. It’s been wonderful.”
McAllister has seen a higher level of play from the roster as the season progressed. More players have become more vocal. Lily Ervin and Ava Barker picked up more of the scoring slack. Ervin posted hat tricks in each of the Red Devils’ first two postseason matches.
“Ava Barker has become a leader,” he added. “We have quiet leaders in the back with Emma Ramey and Addison Conley holding the fort down. When you are coaching a team with 12 upperclassmen, you can find leaders. They come out of the woodwork.”
Bagby returned to the site of her injury for her first postseason game back. After a quarterfinal win over Rowan County on Russell’s home turf Thursday, the Red Devils return to Cannonsburg for the region final four. The senior feels strong and confident that she and her team will reach their next goal together.
“My comfort level is very good right now,” Bagby said. “I was a little nervous, and during PT, they said my biggest fear would be my head when I go out and play on my knee. I just know in my head, I’m comfortable and I’m showing up to win.
“I don’t really believe in all that superstitious stuff,” she continued. “Whatever happens, I know God has a plan for me. I had time to think all season about what I wanted to do when I came back. I want to make a difference, and that’s what I am here to do.”