From the time she was just three years old, softball has been at the heart of Emma’s life, shaping her identity and fueling her determination both on and off the field. When she began to experience persistent knee pain, Emma knew she needed to seek medical attention to stay in the game. Determined to find a way forward, Emma and her family sought answers at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Orthopedic, Sports Medicine & Spine Institute, where Orthopedic Surgery Chief Dr. Craig  Spurdle diagnosed her with discoid meniscus requiring surgery. 

With the support of specialized, expert care and a treatment plan thoughtfully tailored to her unique needs, she worked tirelessly through recovery and rehabilitation at our Dan Marino Outpatient Center. Thanks to that dedicated approach, she was able to return to the field stronger than ever, reigniting her passion for the game. Today, she is proud to take the next step in her journey, committed to playing softball at St. Thomas University starting this fall.