Battling Back
Kinsly Heichelbech, a senior at Tecumseh High School and All-State softball player, was in a crash on March 21. Driving home before a hitting lesson, her Prius was struck by a semi-trailer at the intersection of Baseline Road and Indiana 57. She spent five days in the hospital with a litany of injuries, including multiple fractures to her pelvis. That began a long, painful journey to recovery, one which almost sent her spiraling when alone with her thoughts.
Kinsly Heichelbech, far right, takes the field with her team before their game against Apollo at Tecumseh High School Thursday afternoon, April 14, 2022. Kinsly's walker feet sport tennis balls decorated to look like softballs.
Senior Kinsly Heichelbech sits the bench as her softball teammates take on Castle during the Warrick Classic at Tecumseh High School Saturday afternoon, April 16, 2022. Her recovery from a March 21, 2022, car accident made it difficult – emotionally and physically – for the lead-off batter and starting centerfielder to be in the dugout, but she had to be there for her team.
Dr. James Goris discusses Kinsly Heichelbech's recent X-rays with her and her parents, Melissa and Ronnie Heichelbech, at Orthopedic Associates in Newburgh, Ind., Friday morning, April 15, 2022. Not even four weeks after her March 21 car accident, Kinsly's pelvis – broken in five places – was healing well and she would be allowed to take part in light exercise.
Kinsly Heichelbech tries to hold back tears after hearing she was released by her doctor for light exercise at Orthopedic Associates in Newburgh, Ind., Friday morning, April 15, 2022.
Clay Johnson helps Kinsly Heichelbech into his dad's pickup before the Tecumseh High School prom Saturday afternoon, April 30, 2022. The couple – and Kinsly's "bedazzled" walker – was ready for the night of pictures, dinner and music.
Kinsly attends class in a wheelchair to help protect herself as well as conserve energy during her recovery at Tecumseh High School Tuesday morning, April 26, 2022.
Dr. Logan Blair, a physical therapist, explains to his new patient, Kinsly Heichelbech, that "ice is your friend" after her prescribed exercises at Orthopedic Associates in Newburgh, Ind., April 18, 2022.
The weight room at Tecumseh High School isn't Kinsly Heichelbech's favorite place, but being allowed to join her teammates Emily Hall, left, and Morgan Wilson, right, made it more appealing for the senior Tuesday afternoon, April 26, 2022.
Kinsly Heichelbech celebrates a hit in a round of "Knockout" at Tecumseh High School Tuesday afternoon, April 26, 2022. The Braves' centerfielder and lead-off hitter had been given the green light to take on more physical activity from her doctors.
The Tecumseh Braves dugout cheers Kinsly as she pauses with tears in her eyes before entering the batters box It was the first at-bat for the all-state centerfielder of her senior season. Her goal ever since her accident was to get back on the field during her senior year to help the #1-ranked Braves achieve a state championship.
Junior Bri Marx embraces Kinsly Heichelbech after the senior hit a 2 RBI single in her return to the varsity line-up at Tecumseh High School Thursday evening, May 12, 2022. The all-state centerfielder finished the day going 1 for 2 with 2 RBI.
Kinsly Heichelbech is carried down the third-base line by parents Ronnie and Melissa Heichelbech to celebrate Senior Night at Tecumseh High School Thursday evening, May 12, 2022.