UCLA Softball Player Stevie Wisz Set to Undergo Heart Surgery Just After College World Series
By Ryan Flores
UCLA Bruins softball player Stevie Wisz is about to have a very busy month of June. The senior outfielder will be in the dugout for the Women's College World Series, will graduate with a degree in biology, and will then undergo her fourth heart surgery.
Before the #NCAAsoftball season, Stevie Wisz was told she needed heart surgery ... again.
— espnW (@espnW) May 22, 2019
Instead, she's running the bases and scoring runs as @UCLASoftball goes for a national title. https://t.co/ldndrdCtPg
Wisz had three heart surgeries by the age of 16, as she was diagnosed with aortic stenosis, a severe narrowing of the aorta. Her heart has stopped beating multiple times her heart has stopped, but it never stopped her from fighting.
A self-described mediocre high school softball player, Wisz constantly pestered UCLA coaches to give her a tryout. She was stood up twice for tryouts, but the third-time was the charm, as she was given the chance to track fly balls, join a hitting group, and run the bases. She made a great impression with her positive energy, and was asked to join the team as a practice player. Eventually, she made her way into the lineup, and even robbed Florida's Janell Wheaton of a home run in last year's Women's College World Series.
Stevie Wisz with her back pretty much right at the wall and makes the catch to end the fifth. The heartbreak on the Florida hitter's face when she saw that it was an out was like, as my mom would say, someone stole her rice. #UCLA up 5-4.
— Thuc Nhi Nguyen (@thucnhi21) June 2, 2018
She has just three at-bats in her four-year career, with one hit, one stolen base, and 23 runs, but what matters to that UCLA team is that she is the glue that holds them together. They've gone to three consecutive Women's College World Series, and have gone 192-42-1 with Wisz on the team, with another potential CWS berth to come soon.
so unbelievable blessed Wayne invested in me and my story?⌛️ https://t.co/xFwMHftAmV
— Stevie Wisz (@StevieLynnne) May 22, 2019
Unfortunately, Wisz's heart is running solely on her pacemaker, and her aorta is leaking severely. The doctors wanted her to have surgery in January to resolve the issue, but she decided to simply limit her workouts so that she can be a part of the team that has given her so much.
It was never a question if @StevieLynnne had the heart to be a @UCLASoftball player. It was whether or not her damaged heart could handle it. An incredible story of resilience and determination. https://t.co/QRC3CXBlQO
— Wayne Drehs (@espnWD) May 22, 2019
This is truly an inspiring story that everyone needs to hear. Wisz is the kind of person to not take no for an answer, and always strive for her goals, making her journey an incredible story of determination and resilience.
UCLA will take on James Madison in the Super Regional later this week. Hopefully the Bruins win and continue their quest to make their fourth consecutive College World Series.