Injuries are one thing, but pervasive health problems can sometimes be mystifying to athletes.

After a strong start to the fall season at Harvard, previous Sorensen Award finalist and Harvard co-captain Cassidy Bargell finally had to acknowledge that something was seriously wrong. When GRR went to see Harvard play Dartmouth in October, the Crimson scrumhalf was notably absent, and would continue to be for the rest of the season.

As it turned out, she was ill. Very ill. She was suffering from severe ulcerative colitis, a condition that often affects young people. What happened next is detailed in this article in the Harvard Gazette. She has had most of her colon removed and is in recovery, fully expecting to play rugby once more.

The article goes into more detail about the former Summit HS star's tenacity and bravery, and we encourage you to take a look.

Cass Bargell Overcomes Medical Challenges