Courtney Hammer: Continuing the Legacy
10/23/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
By Hanna Sprague, Athletic Communications Student Assistant
Lying helplessly on the field in 105-degree heat, the torturing pain furiously shot up and down her entire leg. A worst fear was becoming a dreaded reality - Courtney Hammer's leg was immobile. It was the summer before her junior year of high school, and Hammer saw her dreams of playing college soccer collapsing before her eyes.
"It happened about 10 minutes into the game and I had already scored once," said Hammer. "I was going in to score again and the goalie came out, didn't go for the ball, and took my legs out from under me."
"When I rolled over and couldn't pick up my leg, it started setting in that something was really wrong," said Hammer. "I didn't think about much in the short term, but, as I was sitting in the waiting room [of the hospital] and realizing how bad the injury could be, that's when I started to think `well there goes this opportunity, there goes that opportunity.'"
After consultations with doctors and numerous x-rays, they confirmed the inevitable: Hammer's right tibia was broken.
On the injury list for eight months, Hammer was unable to play in the most competitive college showcases. One would assume this setback would harm her recruitment and her desire to get back on the field, but that's not the outlook Hammer chose to take.
"In the months after the injury while going through intense physical therapy, I remember thinking `okay, this is something I can really overcome,'" said Hammer. "When you've been doing something since you were three years old, it just kind of becomes a part of who you are. You can't really imagine your life without it."
Hammer, who grew up in Roswell, Georgia, learned early that bleeding green and white was truly the only option.
"Michigan is kind of a home away from home for me," said Hammer. "Both of my parents went to Michigan State."
Raised by devoted Spartans, Michigan State had always been at the top of Hammer's list. But, in the face of adversity, she began to question whether or not Michigan State head coach Tom Saxton would recruit an athlete who had experienced an injury as significant as hers.
Throughout intense physical therapy, the Michigan State coaching staff kept in contact with Hammer.
"Once I started recovering, they made the trip to see me play at Disney," said Hammer. "Coach [Saxton] told me he had experienced the same injury that I had, so him being able to understand that was a huge relief."
Shortly after, Hammer got a life-changing phone call from non other than a 517 area code.
"Michigan State called and said they had a scholarship and a spot on the team for me," said Hammer. "I remember feeling like a huge weight had been lifted off of my shoulders."
"I think more than anything else, we saw her as a well-rounded student athlete, which is what we want to improve in our culture," said Saxton. "Somebody that gets the academic piece, is a good student, and can also get the game."
Hammer quickly grew a bond with the coaches as she prepared to make her cross-country trip. Four years later, this bond has only grown stronger.
"They took a chance on me and that meant the world to me," said Hammer. "They've been a huge resource for me. It's almost like having parents on campus."
Coming into her first year in East Lansing, Hammer quickly set goals for herself, both on the field and in the classroom. After her most notable academic semester in James Madison College, Hammer was awarded as a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.
"It's nice to be recognized," said Hammer. "It is nice to know that it receives merit both athletically and academically."
Courtney is described by teammates and coaches as an `all-around utility player.' Through her steady work ethic and determination, Hammer has proven her abilities in nearly every position.
"She's just a very cerebral, smart player with good skills, which allows her to play anywhere in the attacking six for us," said Saxton.
After a close family member was diagnosed with breast cancer, Hammer was determined to make a difference. She joined Spartans For The Cure, a group that actively participates in community service outreach opportunities.
Looking back on her four years at Michigan State, Hammer is thankful for all of the opportunities being a student-athlete has brought her.
"You definitely get a double perspective," said Hammer. "You get a sense of the multi-dimensions of what it means to be a Spartan and see both sides of everything."
In her final season at Michigan State, Hammer keeps busy enjoying her time here while striving toward the next step in her life. This semester, Hammer is not only juggling soccer and academics, but is also interning with the Michigan Democratic Coordinated Campaign.
"Coming to Michigan State prepared me for the future," said Hammer. "Now, as I'm applying to law school, I don't have any fear of going somewhere else. I continued my family's legacy in East Lansing."
