Daniel Boyette/Press-Register

Gulf Shores’ Toni DeVaney signed a soccer scholarship with Mount Olive (NC) College on Friday. The senior signed a little over a month after a head-on collision left her with multiple injuries.



Back on track

Toni DeVaney signs scholarship a month after injured in accident

By Daniel Boyette
Sports Reporter

GULF SHORES-Toni DeVaney still doesn’t recall much from the wreck. But she does remember being trapped in her car, talking to a rescue worker and worrying about whether she would get to keep her soccer scholarship.

The fear about her athletic future was not surprising. DeVaney had been named to the All-Baldwin team by county coaches multiple times, played in the Battle of the Bay match and competed in Europe with the United Soccer Academy. And, suddenly, everything was in limbo. She had broken both of her femurs, the tibia and fibula in her left leg, right ankle and left humorous.

But just a little more than a month after the accident, DeVaney is back on track.

Mount Olive (NC) College honored DeVaney’s Scholarship, and the Gulf Shores senior signed with the Division II School during a ceremony Friday afternoon at the GSHS library. The signing came a little more than a month after a Feb17 head-on collision in Orange Beach that occurred as DeVaney was driving to the Dolphins’ first match of the season.

Samara Santos, 20, of Pensacola was killed in the wreck. Gulf Shores police said Santos lost control of her vehicle, crossed into the incoming lane and slammed head-on into DeVaney’s Chevrolet Impala.

“It’s really overwhelming. I promised myself I wouldn’t cry,” DeVaney said of Friday’s signing ceremony. “But it meant a lot for all those people to show up. I didn’t expect that many people. I’m just glad I got my Scholarship.”

DeVaney, 17 isn’t taking the scholarship as a token gift from Mount Olive; she still plans on playing for the Trojans.

“I’m red shirting my freshman year and the coach (Matt Heistler) wants me to go to physical therapy and do personal training to get my muscles back,” she said. “I’m a small person, so he wants me to get 20 extra muscle pounds. That’s like 40 because of what I lost (after the accident). Freshman year will basically be muscle building, getting tactical skills back, touches on the ball, little things.”

DeVaney is currently undergoing 90-minute physical therapy sessions three times a week and is a month ahead of schedule. Her left leg is healed and the cast on her right leg is scheduled to come off next week.

“(My physical therapist) said that’s going to be the toughest thing,” DeVaney said.

Gulf Shores coach Jason Thompson said that DeVaney's presence on the side-lines at games has helped motivate the Dolphins. “All this journey that we’ve been through, to see her walk in here today to sign that, it’s just unbelievable,” he added. “It’s made my entire year.”

Before the accident, DeVaney was considering studying to become a physical therapist or surgeon. But after spending “too much time in the hospital,” she has her sights set on physical therapy.

“I’ve learned a lot of things about it now,” she said with a laugh. “I’m pretty sure I’ll do great at it.”

Hello everyone,
This is mom but I have a reason, good people with huge hearts keep appearing, I promised the girls at Tipseas I would post this on the blog. Toni is truly a miracle and an angel to have touched so many and we are so proud to call her ours. Here is the latest generous group to appear in our lives. We hope you all consider coming, it sounded fun to us! Thanks again for all the prayers and well wishes.

Laurel, Scott, Tyler & TONI

Hey,
Today was my signing at 2, it went very well. I walked into the library, and sat down at the table with Coach Thompson and my mom, then signed. The Baldwin Register and The Islander were both there so look for the article in the paper. I was surprised by how many people showed up for my signing and I even told myself before I got there that I was not going to cry but once Dr. Rosado spoke before I signed I just couldn't help it. I'm sad to say I didnt get to play this year and it is my last year to have the opportunity to play with this wonderful group of girls. I am very glad to be able to play in college and hope everyone can come sooner or later to watch me play again. Have a great day.
Love you,
Toni

Hi everyone,
Mom here, Toni has had a busy week since she started going back to school, normal things take longer for her to do and that consumes the extra time she normally would have had. She works so hard at therapy that she is tired and needs a nap in the afternoons. They even say (at therapy) that she has progressed so fast they need to re-do her charts because she has far exceeded any normal expectations they might have had. We are now on the hunt for a wedge sandal(I know we have to buy a pair) to wear to prom since she will likely be in a boot on the right ankle (again, way ahead of what they originally thought) and the spike heels she was going to wear just aren't going to work. We located the MP3 from her car, the LCD screen is broken but it still plays and her new phone has MP3 capabilities so she decided not to replace it yet. Her Sperry's are now her only confirmed casualty from the accident, and all things considered, that isn't bad at all. Today she had a visit from LeeAnn and Sarah from the Pensacola Futball Club Team she played on for three years. They aren't in this picture but this is last years GS soccer team. God bless all of you for your prayers and all the support. As Toni would say, "smile every day".
I do because I wake up and still have her!

Laurel xoxoxo

Hey,
School went well today, I only had to go to my two main classes which wasn't bad, then went to therapy. I have my college signing on Friday and plan on walking in to my school library to my signing. Tomorrow is a full day at school for me then a game right after. I dont really have much to say so I hope everyone has a great night and a wonderful Tuesday. :)
Love,
Toni

Hey,
So the doctor appointment could of been better on friday but I had 117 staples total, 5 plates in my ankle and a bunch of screws. I am now in a cast till I go back April 3, and hopefully I get a boot just in time for prom. The doctor was impressed with my recovery and I have FINALLY been released to go back to school tomorrow. My scars are healing well and I attempted crutches and realized my leg was still really weak. Well time to eat lunch, Love everyone.
Smile daily,
Toni

Hey everyone,
I know its been 2 days since I refreshed everyone on info on my recovery. The past 2 days of therapy have gone very well, I walked at both again and I'm jumping further so she says. I am a great patient according to Mrs. Jenny ( my therapist) because while she has patients that come in with the smallest injuries and constantly complain, I show up every day increasing my range of motion and never saying a word but constantly smiling because I am so grateful for every degree I gain in my range of motion. I go to Dr. Marshall tomorrow with a note from my doctor letting him know my progress which is a month advanced. Hope everyone has a great and safe rest of the week. Love you all and just as you pray for me I am praying for yall that the parents with kids never have to go through what my parents just had to.
Smile everyday,
Toni :)

Hello,
Today is game day. I woke up this morning feeling a little sick though. Im now in a bed that I can get in and out of by myself. I have therapy tomorrow and Im kinda worried because my arm is really sore today, I cant wait to get the staples out of my shoulder then I can actually massage it. I hope everyone has a great day.
Love you,
Toni

Hey,
This post is going to be short and sweet, I have been standing on my own and moving from bed to wheelchair and more. My wiener dog is having pups, so far we have 5, 2 boys and 3 girls, its exciting. this week is loaded for me but Im going to have to call the fire department every day to get me up and down the stairs. Monday and Tuesday the girls have a soccer game, and hopefully Mr. Glassford lets me go with them Monday to Spanish Fort. Wednesday and Thursday I have therapy which means I'll walk some more. and Friday I go back to the Dr around 7:45 a.m. ahh thats really early but I will get the rest of the staples out and get my cast on my foot, hopefully I can get released to go back to school. My weekend went well, Saturday night I got to go to Corey Smith for free and after the concert I got rolled back stage and met the man ha, it was so much fun. And today the soccer team came over for a pizza party thanks to the United Soccer Acadamey. Well goodnight everyone or goodmorning to everyone reading this on Monday.
Love,
Toni

Hey,
So therapy went fantastically, lets just say that nothing can ruin my day and I bet you are all wondering why. Well I'll tell you... I walked today with my walker. I'm overwhelmed and feel so accomplished, its been 3 weeks and a few days since my wreck so that's great for me. I know tomorrow every muscle in my body is going to be cussing me but it was worth it. I cant wait till tonight to watch the girls play. I love you all.

:) Toni

Hey,
Sorry this post is so late but I wanted to have gone through therapy before I filled everyone in. Therapy went well today, they might send me to foley so i can get and hour of physical therapy for my legs and an hour of occupational therapy for my shoulder which as of now is the worst because it is so stiff, I have therapy again on friday so im just going to stay in gulf shores encore till we talk to the dr and find out what he thinks is best. I stopped by the school and saw a lot of people which made my day. I STOOD TODAY :) dad had to hold me but i got up. We went to look at a temporary car for this time so i can get in and out, its worth as much as my car was totalled so its a decent car. But im extremely exhausted and bout to eat dinner.
Love you all,
Toni

Evening Everyone,
I finally got to sleep in my own bed last night and boy did I sleep great, and I finally slept later than 8. We got the bracelets in that read "Strength & Courage -Toni" they look really cool and they are like a Columbia blue. They will be sold at the games and at school. I get some more staples removed today around 3, I pray that will make my foot feel much better. I have use of my arm tremendously which makes me excited. I hope you can all came to the game Friday and I hope everyone is staying safe and being careful. Have a great day.
Love,
Toni

Herro everyone :),
I have just received notice that some how I got student of the month for gulf shores this month. Ironic because it's been 3 weeks since I've been to school. Yesterday I was able to stand with my walker, not for a long time but it was on my own, I actually did it twice. Im just excited that I could do that. Tuesday I am getting more staples out to add to the 53 that have already been removed, and my therapy starts Wednesday, sorry for mis informing everyone yesterday. I plan on going to the game on Friday and hopefully making it to the school one day this week. Hope everyone has a great Monday.
Love,
Toni

Hello,
This is Toni. In the picture that is the helicopter that I was in. I have started getting more and more use to my left arm, still not fully capable of lifting it myself but it all just takes time. Today i get treated to a massage from Ms. Dawn (lyndsey Bentons mom) which hopefully will release the huge charlie horse knots that I have in my legs and I wont be so sore from doing so much. Yesterday while in my chair I rolled into the kitchen and with help of reaching the items I made my own sandwich. Just think of the things that people take for granit every day, just being able to stand, walk, move your limbs, even go to the bathroom without someone having to pick you up. And in no way am I trying to make anyone feel sorry for me but its challenges I have to face daily. I'm greatful to still be here, every morning I wake up wishing it is all a bad dream then i try and get up, i can lift my legs now and hold more weight each day on my leg so that helps my dad. This coming tuesday I will go to Encore for my first therapy with them, I am expecting a lot of pain to come from them but it only means I am getting better. I hope you all still keep me in your prayers and stay with the support.
Thank you all,
Toni

Hello,
Mom again, Toni is resting. All the activity wears her our and rest is important also. She wanted to go to the St. Pauls game last night so we took her. The girls lost but it wasn't a shut out or a landslide and they are a very tough team. She likes to get out doors, misses playing but makes her feel good to help coach. The USA Coach, Mike Varga, was there (games played on USA fields) and gave Toni a soccer ball and jersey signed by his girls team, plus 5 of them made the trip out just to see her and she spent about 40 minutes in the parking lot visiting with them, it made her feel very special. St Pauls teams (both boys and girls) lined up to shake her hand and wish her well, they had already done some fund raising for her and a card so we made the trip to thank them as well as watch the game. All these things bring tears to our eyes, the sheer number of people she has touched, her highs and lows, the determination she shows as she faces every day, and knowing she will play the game she loves again.
we all love you! God Bless!
Scott, Laurel, Tyler and TONI
http://www.al.com/sports/press-register/baldwin.ssf?/base/sports/1236365110295460.xml&coll=3

this is the newspaper article that goes with the picture

Happy Friday,
Mom here, Toni got a semi-shower with massage setting on the hand - held shower, and of course we did the hair again. She is sore and achy but nurse Joe says that is part of the process of working the muscles. She still gets around in wheelchair but more and more of the momentum is provided by her. Help is accepted only when she is too tired to do it herself anymore, very stubborn about doing things for herself. Still haven't decided on a replacement car, have several in mind but crash test ratings are obviously important (5's are good!). The smile in the newspaper article today speaks volumes for her drive and disposition. Every day we thank god and all of the rest of you for keeping her in your thoughts and prayers. Any one of these days we expect her to just stand on her own, she amazes us that much.

Love to all, and god bless,

Scott and Laurel

evening everyone,
this will kind of be my post for the 5th but SURPRISE to everyone who saw me at the game, i kinda broke some rules but that spiritually helped me so much to be with the team and be able to watch the girls win. im going to try and be at most of the home games and thank you parents for the applause during the girls half time, im glad i can surprise so many people with my recovery rate. Sorry for talking off your ear if i got a chance to talk to you but i haven't seen many many many of your since the wreck and i can get a little caught up in what i say. and i seriously cant say this enough thank you all for the support, i appreciate it.
i hope that yall can come and see me and that i hopefully made this cold night a shock for everyone, goodnight, or if your reading this tomorrow good morning or evening. i will be spending most of the 5th on the couch doing a lot of my therapy. i love you all.

Toni DeVaney

Hey again,
Now my mom wont be able to get me off this, sitting on my couch never made me cry so much before. tears of joy of course. got messages from alot of people and i really do mean thank you for all the support, each day i can get on and see how many people feel the same as me. my dogs still dont quite realize they cant sit in my lap but got the hang of sitting beside me. hopefully i can get out and about very soon. and next time alot of the people on here see me i just might be completely balling (crying) and im sorry ahead of time, this is a rough road and im just another one to travel on it.
god bless you
love
toni

This is Toni again and I realize I'm doing 2 post in one day but this news is so great that it has to be told.... I Toni DeVaney, get to go home tonight. woohoo

Hey everyone,
I have a feeling ya'll have been waiting to hear from me, this is Toni. :) I'm now finally in my own shirt, all my IV's and tubes are gone except one in my arm for medicine which is set comfortably. The nurses here have treated me wonderfully and presented me with a ceiling tile to paint. I have set my personal goals and plan to stick with all of them. I am looking at a possibly 9 more days give or take till I'm home doing therapy and I welcome anyone to come visit me after I get there (with a phone call of course). I appreciate everyone who has come to visit me whether I was aware of it or not. My therapy thus far is doing GREAT I am trying to get use of my left arm again, and am capable of standing with the help of my wonderful nurse Joe or my father, once my arm is capable of movement and bearing weight I'll attempt a walker to stand and by then my leg will be used to the weight and I'll try walking alone. The unfortunate thing of today is my 2 surgeons are changing the dressing on my right ankle which is not going to be fun, I do not know if my mom has informed you but the ankle was completely re-built basically and will be a long road of recovery that I am ready for. I hope some of the people who read this will make it to my graduation may 18th to be shocked and shown the girl that wont stop fighting.
i apologize for all my capatilization errors and spelling but i am still one handed but wanted to let everyone hear from me. thanks for all the cards, gifts, donations, and most of all the SUPPORT, it has helped so much. but remember be careful in life there are crazy drivers out there, dont text and drive and WEAR A SEAT BELT.. it saved my life but broke my arm ha.
love you all,
toni :)

It is Monday, Day 13 in hospital. Toni's strength continues to improve as she tries to begin the process of using her available limbs to speed her release. Her emotions are beginning to come back which she considers a sign of weakness, we tend to think it is a normal part of this entire process. She, and the rest of us will eternally ask the question "why" and none of us will get an answer that satisfies. The reality is, we have her alive and repaired, and she is in control of this uphill climb ahead of her and the eventual outcome. Hopefully, she still makes all of her dreams come true, despite the emotional and physical pain she must endure to get there. We have choices with her rehab and she has expressed a desire to come home instead of entering a in-house program. They will come here and we are checking into using the local facility and the reciprocating process between the two entities. She is lonely for normal things so maybe home is best choice for now. It will be slower but she has always maintained high standards of personal dedication to rehab. The days ahead will be long and hard on her, please keep praying for her.

Love to all,

Scott & Laurel

It is Sunday and she has improved greatly. Sorry for the late post, we actually slept in. Toni had two team mates spend the night so we snuggled in with the dogs and really slept. This morning they sent me a picture from their phone of Toni sitting on the edge of her bed, so of course we called and they said she had been up, her dressings had been changed on her left leg and she ate her pancakes and bacon breakfast. Today we are supposed to find out about rehab options available to her. She has expressed a desire to post a blog herself today so I don't want to go too far into details. Toni is a tenacious fighter and finds strength from a source beyond us I am sure. Although she is still in pain, the little triumphs count as milestones.

Love to all, keep up the prayers,

Scott & Laurel