Hobart Star Overcomes Injuries to Shine on Softball Field

Aurora Ciesielski's perseverance and team-first mentality inspire her teammates.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:11pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the motion and energy of a softball player, with sharp, overlapping geometric planes in the Hobart Brickies' colors of navy blue, orange, and white, conceptually representing the player's determination and the team's spirit.Ciesielski's perseverance and team-first mentality inspire her Hobart teammates as she overcomes injuries to shine on the softball field.Aurora Today

Hobart junior Aurora Ciesielski has overcome a torn labrum and a concussion that affected her freshman season to become a standout player for the Brickies. She now appreciates the opportunity to play softball and is focused on being a great teammate, leading by example on and off the field.

Why it matters

Ciesielski's story highlights the resilience and determination required to bounce back from serious injuries in high school sports. Her journey also serves as an inspiration for young athletes who may face similar challenges, showing that with hard work and a positive attitude, they can overcome setbacks and achieve their goals.

The details

Ciesielski suffered a torn labrum during travel ball in July 2023, which required surgery and sidelined her for six months. She said she wasn't 100% for about a year, which affected her freshman season. Later that year, she suffered a season-ending concussion. Despite these obstacles, Ciesielski has emerged as a star player for Hobart, leading the team in several offensive categories last season and continuing to excel in the early stages of this year.

  • Ciesielski suffered a torn labrum in July 2023.
  • She was sidelined for six months due to the injury.
  • Ciesielski suffered a season-ending concussion several weeks into her freshman season.

The players

Aurora Ciesielski

A junior at Hobart High School who plays a variety of positions on the softball team. She overcame a torn labrum and a concussion to become a standout player for the Brickies.

Alexis Turley

The junior catcher for Hobart, who is also Ciesielski's teammate on their travel softball team. Turley praises Ciesielski's energy, leadership, and all-around abilities on the field.

Josh Coons

The second-year head coach of the Hobart softball team, who has seen Ciesielski make significant improvements in her physical abilities and leadership skills since the end of last season.

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What they’re saying

“Being out that long, it made me realize that I took softball for granted a lot. I put in a lot of work. I was hitting in my backyard four or five times a week just to get back to how I used to be.”

— Aurora Ciesielski, Hobart Junior

“She brings a lot of energy to practice. She can make it fun while also putting in work and being intense.”

— Alexis Turley, Hobart Junior Catcher

“Between the end of last year and this season, Aurora hit the weight room incredibly hard, and we're starting to see it not only just in the way she plays, but in the measurables.”

— Josh Coons, Hobart Head Coach

What’s next

Ciesielski and the Hobart Brickies will look to contend in the tough Northwest Crossroads Conference and the Class 4A Valparaiso Sectional this season, building on the team's first sectional title since 2016 in 2024.

The takeaway

Ciesielski's story serves as an inspiration for young athletes who face adversity and setbacks. Her perseverance, team-first mentality, and dedication to improvement have allowed her to overcome significant injuries and emerge as a leader for the Hobart softball team.