SIOUX FALLS -- Frankie Mickelson abides by a simple but direct principle: "Take one day at a time. You can't worry about tomorrow until today is done."

After a car accident last June nearly cost her life, Mickelson, a senior centerfielder and leader of the University of Sioux Falls Softball Team, is grateful for the opportunity to not only play a game she loves but spend time with her family, and her "USF family" while attending school and enjoying life.   

"I think we have to remember always that God is in control. And, he brought me back. I have to continue to learn to be patient and not be in a hurry," said Mickelson.

Leaning on her faith and family, medical personnel and USF trainers, Mickelson has added a more patient perspective to her happy, go-lucky demeanor that has always been part of who she is. With that patience and positive outlook, she recovered with slow steady progress laid out in a rehab plan and with the love of family and friends plus the Grace of God.
 
 "I am so grateful to so many people. I have learned that I certainly needed to slow down and to listen to my body. I needed to understand life is short and to take things one at a time," said Mickelson.

Mickelson, who ranks among the top players to wear a USF Softball uniform with 12 top-10 statistical marks in program history, received the Gibby Award on April 27 (Spirit of Excellence Award Ceremony). The senior from Rochester, Minn., was recognized for her perseverance and character, in recognition of her comeback from the car accident nearly a year ago.

Pandemic Impact – 2020 season ended early
For many, 2020 was a tough year with significant loss and challenges due to the CoVID-19 pandemic. It was a time that challenged one's patience due to the unknown.

 

Mickelson and the USF Softball Team experienced that sense of unknown and loss when the season was cut short after 19 games (11-8 record) while playing in Florida.  Mickelson and her fellow seniors Sydney Nieveen, Lindsey Mossman and Emily Cheloha thought their careers were over.

"We had a lot of emotion after that final game in 2020," said Mickelson of games against Concordia University-Ann Arbor and Stonehill College, which occurred on Friday, March 13. "It felt like a movie and with no ending," said Mickelson. "I was really sad –and I was worried that was the last time I would get to play with my teammates. It was a time when the unknown was everywhere. You didn't know what was next," she said.

When the NCAA made the decision to give players in the spring sports extended eligibility and the opportunity to come back for another year, Mickelson knew what was next.

"I was coming back – I had too," said Mickelson, who with teammate and friend Emily Cheloha, made the decision to return for one more season.

In a year that offered no answers just questions, she was set in her goal of playing another season with her sisters on the USF Softball Team.

"I was thrilled that the NCAA and USF both made coming back for another year an opportunity for those seniors," said USF Head Coach Shannon Pivovar. "And while I would have love for all four to come back, I understood the opportunities Syd and Moss had. Frankie tried to get my goat by calling Coach (Chris) Aggen and me with a sob story of why she couldn't return - but couldn't even make it halfway through before she cracked a smile and gave us the good news. And in a way, it was a foreshadowing of what we would need this year. A little bit of trickery, a little bit of tears, and a lot of laughter," said Pivovar.
 
The Accident -
In the days that followed her decision to return to USF, Mickelson was busy living life which included working two jobs (HyVee and UPS). She had a lot on her plate but she felt like she could manage what she was doing.

Everything changed for Frankie on a return trip to Sioux Falls in early June. Mickelson was returning a computer to a social worker at the Harrisburg School District and planning a move into a new apartment when she fell asleep at the wheel around 3 pm on June 5 while driving 70 MPH near Blue Earth, Minn. In the accident she suffered a broken sternum, fractured bone in her neck and concussion.

"I was doing too much and not really listening to my body. I was tired but thought I could handle it," she reflected.  

As she woke up after the accident, Mickelson was hurt and disoriented. She recalled walking outside her car but not knowing what was going on. A lady in another car traveling the same road stopped to help her and called the police, and emergency personnel. Subsequently, an ambulance arrived on the scene and Mickelson was life-flighted to Rochester.

Back home, her mom Pam Mickelson was shocked and scared when she received a call about her daughter's accident.

"After I hung up, I called Troy (her husband – Frankie's dad) and then spoke with our Pastors. We prayed as we waited for her to be life-flighted to Mayo Clinic. It was unknown at that point what the extent of her injuries were going to be," said Mickelson. "That day was the beginning of a large prayer chain that would extend beyond our congregation and family/friends to the softball community, hockey community & USF," she said.

Shortly after the Mickelsons found out about their daughter, so did Pivovar who fielded a call and thought it was Frankie.

"Frankie kid, what's up?" said Pivovar.

When an unfamiliar voice was on the other end of the call, concern grew quickly for Pivovar. A man in the emergency room of a hospital in Blue Earth told her that Mickelson would not be at practice. He said, Frankie had been hurt in an accident and her parents were notified but he couldn't elaborate due to HIPAA regulations.

What worried Pivovar and the emergency medical staffer was that the season was over and there was no practice.

"Frankie's accident day was one of the worst, most helpless days I've ever had. I was virtually recruiting, watching some softball on my computer while sitting on the back deck, when my phone rang. I don't even remember calling her dad or talking to him, but I know that was my next step. Troy and Pam (Mickelson) kept me updated on Frankie's status, even sending me photos of her progress in a time that I'd imagine was insanely terrifying and unknown," said Pivovar.

Reflections – How it started

For the Mickelsons, their faith was paramount even as they hoped and prayed for Frankie's recovery. They wanted their daughter to be ok. And, they knew that her road to recovery was going to take time.

Growing up, Frankie Mickelson had an affinity for activity and participating in sports, particularly swimming and hockey. Softball would come later.
 
"I remember, she tried every sport from karate to soccer, softball, swimming and hockey. She excelled at swimming and had to make a choice between swimming and hockey. She chose hockey," said Pam Mickelson. "She had a great high school career (Century HS) and in 2015 she was ninth in the state for goals," she said.
 
While successful on swimming and hockey, something about playing softball drew the interest of Frankie Mickelson.
 
"I can still remember when Troy came home and told me they wanted volunteers for catching and she wanted to do it so she did. I wasn't all in -- but she wouldn't play anything else," said Pam Mickelson, noting that her daughter's passion for the sport including playing catcher and outfield during summers. During that period of her life, she was influenced by coaches like her youth coach Jen Hazelton and her traveling team (Rochester Royals) coaches Steve Lewison and Chad Anderson.

Eventually, Frankie's passion for softball grew into something she wanted to pursue in college.
 
"I guess for me, softball was something where you always have to work hard because it is a game of failure," said Frankie. "It is so hard to be perfect (in softball) and you want to keep being the best player you can be. It is about getting back up and pushing through. You always think about what it is that you need to do better and that isn't easy but you keep pushing," she said.

 

It was a game that challenged her and helped bring her to USF, where she has been a staple in center field except for those rare occasions when she was behind the plate as catcher.

Through determination and work ethic, Mickelson, who hit over .300 twice in her career (.312, 2017 & .316, 2020) has had an impact at USF and been part of 117 victories through five seasons. She ranks in the top-10 in 12 statistical categories in USF's DII era, including playing in 190 games, which ranks third all-time as does her 182 career starts. She is third in at bats with 533, third in stolen bases with 30, fifth in hits with 148, sixth in RBI with 73, seventh in runs with 83 and eighth in home runs with 14.
 
A social work major, Mickelson has been named Academic All-NSIC three times, All-NSIC Team of Excellence member twice, and earned NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete honors. She has also been part of USF Softball's commitment to meeting USF's Culture of Service mission with regular community service efforts.
 
Recovery – Mickelson had to take it day-by-day
As her injuries from the accident began to heal, Frankie's future in a game she loved was a question mark, recalled her mom, who just wanted her daughter to smile and be healthy.

Those early days in the hospital were rough on Frankie's parents, let alone teammates and coaches who were deeply concerned. And, being in a pandemic, the only person, aside from medical personnel, allowed in her room was her mother.

"It was challenging not to have Troy there or to have him step in when the days got long," said Pam Mickelson. "We have a strong faith and trusted that God would see her and our family through the storm. These were difficult days and we trusted Dr. Brad Currier and his medical team to help us make the right decisions that were best for her," she said.
 
Yet, even though those difficult times, Frankie made her mom proud. Fighting through pain and facing a long recovery, Frankie was still Frankie as she showed empathy toward others.
 
"I was able to watch Frankie in action during her week-long hospitalization. She had so much compassion for the nurses that took care of her; the physical therapy team that kept her moving, as well as those cleaning her room. She knew them all by name and made sure to ask them how their day was going, "she said.
 
As she focused on healing, Frankie knew the road back was going to be difficult and long, her mother noted.
 
"Dr. Currier had a plan and Frankie was determined to stick to his plan. She was helped by the knowledge that her coach, teammates, and the entire Coo family were in her corner and pulling for her. We could feel their prayers. Her goal was to get back to them. She wanted them to be able to count on her for the current season," said Pam Mickelson.
 
One day at a time
The rehab required that Frankie Mickelson take it one day at a time and let her body heal. It was important to not over do anything – to "stay quiet," as Pam Mickelson noted.
 
"Staying quiet and what I mean by quiet was keeping her body quiet," she said. "A walk around the neighborhood was all she was going to do for the summer. We called it a summer of healing. There was no lifting, no hitting, no running, just walking, talking and believing."
 
With her parents by her side as well as Coach Pivovar and teammates, she also leaned on her brother, Palmer, for support.

"They (Frankie and Palmer) are very close and he was a driving force behind her recovery. They always have bounced things off each other whether talking about hitting, fielding, soft toss, working out together or just life," added Pam Mickelson.
 
As Frankie began to recover, she had this inner drive that kept her moving forward.
 
"In my own mind, nothing was going to stop me from playing," said Frankie. "But for that to happen, I had to listen to the doctors. If I didn't, I wouldn't get to play again. First, I was in a neck collar and after that came off, I felt I was getting closer," said Mickelson.
 
The Decision -
Days turned into weeks and soon Mickelson arrived at that critical day (December 2) when she would learn from her doctor whether it was in the cards to play softball again. It was an anxious moment for Frankie.    

"There were some really tough days along the way," recalled Frankie. "But when I was finally cleared, it was such a relief. I was pretty happy that day," she said.

Even after the decision was reached, Pivovar wasn't sure what the future meant for Frankie.

"I think the biggest challenge for Frankie was just learning to slow the world down and take things one step at a time. She is always wanting to push further, be better, and go the extra mile. And for a while, we had to really slow it down," said Pivovar.
 
Regardless of whether she could play to the level of a starter or support from the bench, Frankie was committed to the team. She came to every practice ready to work, noted Pivovar.

"I am so proud of the way she handled the adversity that she faced, however, because she found new ways to contribute to her team and her overall well-being. She continued to show up - every single day - to learn more in her new role. She had to go back to the basic fundamentals and begin to strengthen herself from the inside out, and I never once heard her complain or feel sorry for herself," added Pivovar, noting Frankie's approach represented who she has always been, a selfless individual with a big heart.
 
As she worked through the rehab and getting back on the field, she had the support of her teammates, whose love for her was inspiring, added Pivovar. 
 
"When we talk about our team, we talk about our family. And, I think that was a proud moment for me - our returners were there for her, our newcomers reached out to her. We had alumni and parents that offered up prayers and support as well," said Pivovar.
 
In a way to show their support, teammates developed a slogan, #FrankieStrong, an effort that showed Mickelson how much they cared.
 
"There were times this fall when I had negative thoughts. I am very positive and maybe too optimistic so I had tough days when things just didn't appear to be doing right. But my teammates, my family and friends like a summer ball team friend, Vanessa Anderson, offered me support," said Frankie, who also noted the help of USF trainer Megan Olson, who work with her on developing her strength.
 
And, there was fellow senior and friend, Emily Cheloha, who had made the decision in 2020 with Frankie to come back together for another season.
 
"She was always there to listen and give me straight talk. I needed that," added Mickelson.
 
Getting Back on the Field
 
Eventually the season drew closer which also created some anxious moments for Frankie. She wasn't sure about her future other than that no matter what she would be part of the softball team. 

As the team headed to Kansas to play at the Washburn Invitational, Frankie prepared herself to be ready.

"I was determined to accept my role for whatever that was going to be. I would stand with my teammates no matter what," said Mickelson.

As the season opener arrived, Mickelson felt anxious.

"I had goose bumps all over. When I was told I was starting, I felt so much inside. I was so grateful to God, my family, teammates and Coach Piv. It was just great to be at that moment," said Mickelson.

Still, there was more to Mickelson's incredible comeback. Frankie not only started but played a key role as USF opened the season with a victory. In the third inning of that first game, Frankie Mickelson singled home Kylan Straight for USF's first run of the season.

"I was so happy to just make contact. As I stood on base, I could feel everything – the weight of all the hardships in the fall - and realized it was all worth it. To have opportunity to play is all I could ask for," said Mickelson, whose team won the opener, 3-1 over Missouri St. Louis.

Since that day, she has started all 38 more games this year and helped USF to a 20-19 record including 14-11 for eighth place in the NSIC. This season, she has had 19 games with a hit, including six multi-hit games. In her career, she has scored 83 runs, and twice hit five home runs in a season (2019, 2020) with 14 for her career. She has totaled 222 bases and fashioned a .484 career slugging mark and .312 on-base percentage with 30 steals in 35 attempts. In addition, she has had at least one hit in 105 games with 32 multi-hit games, including three games with a career-best four hits.

While her numbers are noteworthy, Mickelson's impact at USF goes well beyond statistics. She has been a team leader and motivator, as junior outfielder Kylan Straight stated in a message delivered on Senior Day, May 2.

"I have never seen anybody bring as much energy and passion to the field as I see Frankie bring every day. I couldn't have asked for a better leader the past three years. More than just a softball player, though, Frankie is one of the best people that I have ever met. She never fails to make my day better and has the biggest heart. I am blessed to get to call her one of my best friends. On the field, as a teammate, and as a friend, Frankie is irreplaceable," she said.

Frankie's Impact on USF Softball
As Pivovar reflected on her senior leader, she speaks with reverence when describing Frankie and her impact on the softball program.

 

 "Frankie has the biggest heart and genuinely cares for everyone. Her smile lights up a room - and her laugh is contagious," said Pivovar. "She is a people person - she makes you laugh and smile and feel loved because she is so genuine. Frankie wants everyone to be happy and she will bend over backwards to make that happen. She rarely is upset - and that just rubs off on everyone else that is around her," she added.

In addition, Pivovar admires Frankie's way of handling the past year with dignity, and strength. It is a life lesson that will stick with her forever.

 "I have always felt that Frankie is one of those people who is placed into your life to teach you lessons. She has taught me that the only bad outcomes in life are from a bad outlook at it. She has inspired me to find the positives in many areas, to slow things down and appreciate them for what they are worth, and to value the relationships that we have while we are here," said Pivovar.
 
"She never felt sorry for herself, or saw any ill effects from her accident as a negative towards her. Rather she approached it all head on and made herself and others better simply by the way she approached it, the drive she put behind it, and the passion in which she overcame it. Frankie is as special as they come and I am thankful that she is alive, thankful that she is in our family, and forever grateful for the lessons she has taught me," Pivovar said.
 
After Senior Day, where she stood with her five fellow senior teammates (Emmie Uitts, Mika Rodriguez, Emily Cheloha, Cassie Van Beek and Rachel Klassen), Mickelson has four games to play in the regular season. Then the postseason tournament is next as the season and as her career winds down.

Through it all, 2021 has been an incredible year for the senior, who has laughed, cheered, cried and appreciated everything.

"I don't want to think about it being over," said Mickelson, who has been accepted into graduate school at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. "I don't want it to end. I have been here for five years. I have put a lot into the school and program and left everything out on the field. But, it has been a special time for me," she said.

As she finishes this season and moves on with life, she will carry her teammates and USF in her heart always.  

"It (time at USF) is about my teammates, Coach Piv and my family for always being there for me. All of them have left such a huge imprint on me," said Frankie. "They have been made me a better person. I will always cherish everything about my experience here with people that have big hearts and open love."

Ditto Frankie. Ditto.
.