Paxson's Passion for Softball Makes for Easy Transition

By Megan Landon, special to MSUSpartans.com

When junior Riley Paxson felt her knee pop at practice in April 2019, she immediately fell and knew what happened. She already been through it twice before. Paxson had torn her right ACL and meniscus and would have to face a third knee surgery in just four years.

Her string of knee injuries started in May 2015, when she tore her left ACL during high school basketball in Nashport, Ohio. She played on the injured knee for nearly a year, thinking it was just a pulled hamstring. Once softball season came around, she tore her left meniscus and the doctor discovered the torn ACL as well.

Riley Paxson

After rehabbing and recovering from a difficult surgery, Paxson made her way to the Spartans, and playing in 30 games her freshman season. Then, in December 2018, she re-tore her previously injured meniscus in the weight room.

So Paxson decided she had been through enough. Softball took a toll on her body, and after rehabbing, she was going to retire from softball. However, MSU softball had other ideas for Paxson. Coach Jacquie Joseph offered a student-coaching role with the team.

"When Coach J and I were discussing the (medical disqualification) she asked me, 'What about coaching? I'm going to teach you how to coach'," Paxson, who played first base, said.

Paxson now remains an integral part of MSU softball. The team needed someone who understood every aspect of the game to oversee cutting video for the coaches and working with a complicated software system. After a long playing career, Paxson was the perfect fit.

"While on the one hand, it's sad, Riley didn't spend a lot of time being sad," Joseph said. "She just did what all you guys are doing right now during this pandemic. You're just still doing your job. You're doing the best you can. And you just keep moving. We don't all get to decide what our roles are going to be but, then this door closes, and that door opens.

"Now, what I really feel good about is when Riley graduates, chances are I'm going to be able to get this kid a job in this industry if she wants one because she's going to be so qualified."

Junior third baseman Joanna Bartz has roomed with Paxson since freshman year. She saw how Paxson dealt with adversity, recovered from her latest surgery and took on a new role.

"She has the ability to adapt to change and she's always upbeat and having a good time, so just having that positive attitude all the time has really helped her transition into a different role on the team," Bartz said. "...It's been nice having to still have her on the team as being around the team at practice and stuff. Even though she isn't directly on the field, everyone still feels her presence of getting to share laughs and go on the road together and create all those memories, it's just in a different way."

Although Paxson is retired, she still exemplifies the qualities that Joseph looks for in MSU players: dependability, resilience, resourcefulness and self-reliance. Riley Paxson

"All those qualities are still there," Joseph said. "Instead of applying it to practice and working out, you just apply it to film study and learning the software ... there's the time management piece, you have to be incredibly talented to be able to work for me 15-20 hours a week and be a full-time student. She's also a lot of fun to be around. She's a good communicator, and I don't have to mix my words with Riley. She's not over-sensitive, I can tell her what I want, when I want it, and she understands.

"From my standpoint, I trust Riley completely. And I only put people around me that I do trust, and I think the world of her, and she's been extremely helpful to our program. We've got that trust there and we've got that relationship there."

Paxson initially came to MSU, like many Spartans, because she loved the family atmosphere. The reason she stayed is because the team still feels like family to her despite her decision to hang up her cleats.

"Even though I'm not playing anymore, being with the team really means a lot to me," Paxson said. "Being able to travel the country and visit and experience some unbelievable things with my best friends is a dream come true itself. I have made some unforgettable memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Michigan State softball has a special place in my heart, and I will be forever grateful to be a part of it."

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