By Claudia Villeda and David Wilson
Trevecca cross country runners Samantha Rosencrants (right) and Abigail Baggott (left) are recovering from serious injuries after being involved in a motor accident Monday afternoon.
The accident occurred on Highway 100, near Highway 70 South. Both women were headed to a cross country practice in the area when the accident occurred.
Rosencrants, a sophomore, and Baggott, a freshman, were both rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and are now in stable condition.
The university has not stated which one of the girls was driving at this time or provided details about the extent of their injuries. The status of the other driver involved in the incident is unknown as well. A Nashville Metro police spokesperson said a police report would be available in 24 to 48 hours.
University officials said they are focused on supporting Rosencrants and Baggott and providing support and care for their teammates and friends on campus.
“We have been really focused on immediately responding to this incident. We have activated our emergency response team at the university and looked at ways to provide care and support for our students,” said Jessica Dykes, vice president and dean of student development.
Athletic Director Mark Elliott said his department has been moved by the response of the university and the community.
“As our Trojan athletics family continues to support Samantha and Abigail, praying for them and the medical team caring for them in these early hours and days, we have been touched by the response from those around us,” he said. “We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the immediate movement by the university to circle our two student-athletes, their families, coaches, teammates, friends with their prayers, love, and support.”
Elliot said people from around the country have reached out to offer support in the past 24 hours.
“We want to acknowledge the outpouring of love for Samantha and Abigail we continue to feel by the greater Trevecca community over these 24 hours. Finally, thank you to our opponents and fellow conference members who have shared their concern and words of encouragement,” he said.
Trevecca aannounced news Monday night on the university’s social media stating, “The Trevecca community is in prayer for two student athletes on the women’s cross country team who suffered injuries in an auto accident this afternoon. Both are being treated at a local hospital. Your prayers are appreciated”.
Just a few hours later, the university updated the story saying, “one is in stable condition and one is in ICU at this time. Your continued prayers for all involved are appreciated.”
A moment of prayer was offered by university chaplain Erik Gernand during Tuesday’s chapel service and a reminder was sent to all students via email that medical and mental health support are available on campus.
“We are committed to being responsive and providing care for our students.We deeply love our students. Our goal is to care for our collective student body who are concerned as well as our students in the hospital. At this time we just ask for continued prayer at this time from our Trevecca community,” said Dykes.
Elliott said the athletic department will now begin focusing on supporting the two athletes through their recovery.
“Now we prepare to walk alongside Samantha and Abigail as they begin their road to recovery.
These young ladies are family, and we are thankful to be part of a larger family that is standing behind them,” he said.
