For most college baseball players, the weeks following the holidays and the New Year signify one thing: the start of baseball season. The excitement of a new season and feeling refreshed and ready to attack the year is common in January as players return to their respective campuses. Pitchers have lively arms, hitters are dialed into their approach, and catchers are ready for another year behind the plate.
 
For Queens baseball senior catcher Colin Gross, the return to campus didn't have the feeling it should have. His body was telling him something was off as spring practices got underway at The Richard "Stick" Williams Dream Fields.
 
"I was doing catching drills with my coaches and teammates, and I noticed that I was having hip pain which made it very uncomfortable to squat," said Gross. "After practice, I was also feeling very fatigued, but these two symptoms weren't uncommon due to the hard work that we put in as college athletes."
 
The symptoms persisted for a few more days before Gross felt the need to get it checked out. The Hilton Head native made his way to Atrium Health Union in Monroe, North Carolina where he met with Dr. Edward Blasko. Despite the circumstances, Gross recalled feeling quite calm and optimistic about the situation.
 
"Throughout the diagnostic process, I wasn't too worried or nervous. I didn't believe anything was significantly wrong as I thought if the doctors found anything, then it would be easily treatable."
 
The optimism began to fade temporarily when Dr. Blasko had answers for Gross. Appendicitis was the root cause and minor surgery was going to be needed. The news was shocking and emotional for Gross as he was gearing up for his senior season on the diamond.
 
"Once I received my diagnosis and learned that I needed an appendectomy, I felt a ton of emotions. I was shocked that my appendix was inflamed. I never considered that a potential issue and I was nervous about the surgery because I didn't know what to expect."
 
However, those nerves and uncertainties were quickly calmed by the reassurance and expertise of Dr. Blasko and the Atrium Health team.
 
The team moved forward and got Gross into surgery quickly. However, during the procedure, it was noticed that his appendix had ruptured entirely, and the infection had spread throughout his entire abdomen. This discovery forced Dr. Blasko and his team to quickly pivot and prepare for an open appendectomy, a much more invasive procedure. Despite the change, the surgery was a success and Gross could finally begin his road to recovery.
 
"I'm very thankful and happy that Dr. Blasko was able to catch the issue early. During this time, my coaches, teammates, athletic trainer, and the Atrium Health staff were constantly reaching out to express their support, and I'm so grateful for all of them."
 
After spending four more days in the hospital to receive antibiotics and ensure there were no complications, Gross was released and ready to begin his rehab journey.
 
The process started with Dr. Jeffrey Ham as he guided Gross's early rehabilitation efforts. Dr. Ham eventually turned it over to Queens Baseball Athletic Trainer Cole Gillman-Goss to continue the rehab.
 
"As one of the team physicians for Queens University Athletics, I take pride in helping athletes recover from injuries and illnesses so they can safely return to their sport. Being able to collaborate in Colin's recovery and getting him back to what he loves is one of the things which makes our partnership with Queens invaluable," said Dr. Jeffrey Ham, Atrium Health sports medicine physician.
 
Gillman-Goss, in his second season at Queens, empathized with Gross as he was in his shoes as a high school athlete.
 
"As a senior in high school, I ended up tearing my ACL and going through the entire rehab process," said Gillman-Goss. "It opened my eyes to helping people get from their worst to their best through rehabilitation, and I would say that played a huge role in why I wanted to become an athletic trainer myself."
 
Gillman-Goss explained that the best part of his job is being able to make so many great connections with coaches and student-athletes, such as Gross. In addition, the opportunity to have a profound impact on their success and life makes it fun for him to come to work.
 
The rehab process certainly hasn't been easy for Gross, but with the support and connections provided through Queens Athletics and Atrium Health, the senior is hoping for another shot behind the plate. This impactful journey has also motivated Gross to attend physical therapy school after graduating in the fall with a degree in exercise science.
 
"I want to become a physical therapist because I enjoy working in sports and I think it's a very rewarding process to see the rehabilitation of an athlete going from an injury to back on the field," said Gross.
 
While Colin awaits his return to the diamond, the Royals are gearing up for an in-state showdown with Appalachian State on Tuesday, March 12^th at Atrium Health Ballpark in Kannapolis. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ESPN Plus.
 
Before the game, Queens Athletics and Atrium Health will be teaming up for a first pitch to honor the Atrium Health Training Staff. Athletic trainer Cole Gillman-Goss will be throwing out the first pitch to Colin Gross to kick off an eventful night of baseball. Fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance by visiting the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers website.