Softball | March 30, 2023

Every difficulty comes with an opportunity. For Shi Cain, adversity was not seen as an obstacle but an opportunity to trust her faith. 

Cain, a native of Concord, N.C., began her collegiate athletic career at Erskine College. She played there for four years but faced a hurdle during her senior season. 

On March 28, 2022, Cain was diagnosed with Guillian-Barré syndrome. 

"It's a disorder where my immune system attacks my nervous system, and it left me paralyzed from my tongue all the way down to my feet," Cain said.

Cain was put through intense rehab and was fortunate enough to recover in four months. Recovering from Guillian-Barré is rare because most people don't recover, or it can become fatal.

Post recovery, Cain transferred to USC Aiken to continue her softball career while getting her master's in business. 

"As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew this is where I wanted to be, where I wanted to play my fifth year," Cain said. 

Throughout the first 37 games of the season, Cain has thrived. She leads the team in home runs with nine. Cain is one of only two starters to post over a .400 on-base percentage (.439). Additionally, she leads the Pacers in OPS (1.068), slugging (.629) and walks (20). She is also second on the team in total bases (56), second in runs (18) and third in RBI (20).

Cain is planning to head towards Greenville after she graduates in hopes of becoming an athletic director.