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USF Softball Player Returns From Heart Problem

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 13, 2008

TAMPA - For all intents and purposes, Cristi Ecks was dead. For nearly three minutes on the afternoon of April 1, the University of South Florida softball pitcher's heart stopped beating.

However, a USF trainer administered CPR and Ecks' heart was shocked back into rhythm by a portable defibrillator. Ecks had survived, but her softball career appeared over. It isn't.

Ecks has received full clearance from her cardiologist and USF's medical staff to pitch her senior season.

"This means more than I could ever explain," USF coach Ken Eriksen said. "A kid that got knocked down and was not just in a battle, but a battle for her life. How do you not want to play for this kid? She's a fighter. In her mind, there was no doubt she would be back on the field."

Three days after collapsing during a light workout on USF's softball field, Ecks had a cardioverter defibrillator implanted in her chest.

She recently resumed working out and will report with the team when individual drills begin Aug. 25 - three days before her 21st birthday.

"She's been given a second chance and we've been given an opportunity to enjoy Cristi Ecks," Eriksen said. "Not just as a pitcher, but a person. She's one of the finest people you'll ever meet. She was almost not here, but because of some quick thinking, she's still walking on the planet."

USF athletic trainer Kelly Cox, who was later honored by the American Red Cross, performed CPR on Ecks.

Eriksen said the university did not require Ecks' parents, Doug and Glorida, to sign any waivers so their daughter could play this season.

Even though USF's season opener isn't until February, Eriksen already considers the Bulls 1-0.

"No matter what happens this season between the lines on the softball field, we already won the biggest game on April 1," Eriksen said.

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928 or bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com.

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