Claire Gilliand battled a fractured skull and hematoma to play her final year of softball in college. Photo by Francie Wilson.
Content Warning: This story includes mention of suicide. If you or someone you know is at risk, please stop and contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for support: 1-800-273-8255.
While the Butler women’s softball team warmed up, Claire Gilliland was lining up the bats behind them. She reached for a bat and then bang! She blacked out. She doesn’t remember what happened next. The next thing she knew, she was on the ground, with blurred visions of her teammates asking her if she was okay.