Jillian McVicker is the toughest Buckeye athlete you've (probably) never heard of.
The redshirt senior women's soccer goalkeeper is recovering in a Minneapolis hospital after an Ohio State career-ending collision Sunday in the 7th minute of a 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
She suffered a lacerated kidney, broken rib and punctured lung.
Fortunately, the strategic communication and journalism double major (who also minors in media production and analysis) is an academic All-Big Ten and four-time Ohio State scholar-athlete, so she shouldn't lack for options once she recovers for her December graduation.
In the meantime, there has been an outpouring of support for the Metuchen, New Jersey native. Former United States Women's Soccer Team midfielder Julie Foudy tweeted her support for McVicker's recovery:
wow, saying my day is made is an understatement pic.twitter.com/mEQgYunHP1
— jllan cvcer (@jill_mclovin) September 23, 2016
feeling extremely loved! so easy to stay positive when I have such an incredible support system. thank you for all messages & gifts pic.twitter.com/OHUFI3Cx6q
— jllan cvcer (@jill_mclovin) September 21, 2016
Wisconsin and Iowa's soccer teams tweeted out their support as well:
Get well soon from the #Badgers goalkeepers @jill_mclovin @OhioState_WSOC! Wishing you a speedy recovery pic.twitter.com/Tq6WhH4R0m
— Wisconsin Soccer (@BadgerWSoccer) September 22, 2016
#Hawkeye GKs wishing @jill_mclovin a speedy and full recovery! #B1GWsoc #2getherWEwill pic.twitter.com/iTFHn9lnFp
— Hawkeye Soccer (@HawkeyeSoccer) September 22, 2016
“Hoping to leave the hospital in the next couple of days," McVicker told Eleven Warriors. "Can't wait to get back to Columbus. The amount of support is surreal to me."
After graduation, McVicker plans to pursue a professional soccer career or perhaps go into sports broadcasting, her passion.
