Erb's Palsy, Volleyball, and Marriya Mobley

I met Marriya, a young lady from Philly, after I sent out a mass email to the incoming freshman at Harcum College. I am the volleyball coach and was in need of players for the upcoming season. Mar introduced herself at the tryout and explained that although she loved volleyball she did have a physical limitation. Her right arm couldn't straighten completely and had limited range of motion. I was surprised she was trying out for a college volleyball team, but I gave her a chance. She couldn't pass well; or set at all. Mar was aware of her skill level, but she wanted to be involved. Desperate for players, I gave her a jersey. She was ecstatic. I told her she would only play in 1 or 2 games. She didn't mind, she had gotten her dream. Weight lifting was a problem. Mar couldn't physically do the lifts. I inquired about her arm, but Mar didn't really know. Erb's palsy was a disease her mom assumed she had after watching a TV show. Online I found information that was disheartening: Erb's Palsy is a paralysis of the arm caused by injury to the upper group of the arm's main nerves. One or two of every 1,000 babies have this condition. It is often caused when an infant's neck is stretched to the side during a difficult delivery. Most infants will recover both movement and feeling within six to twelve months of delivery. The injury rarely leaves permanent damage. I could not find sites related to Erb's Palsy for Adults. Mar was a hard worker. We developed a different passing style and adjusted her serve. She has a champion attitude. Many talented athletes would be great if they had even half of the heart that she has. Mar played in her first game on September 11, 2010. We won and Mar made 2 digs! On a bus ride, Mar explained through tears her parents wanted her to quit. She wasn't playing much and they figured a job would give her extra money for school. Mar doubted her value to the team but I reassured her of her importance. She was a true example of sportsmanship. Mar played in 17 of our 39 games; including our Regional Tournament (we won for the first time in our school's history). Many times opponents seemed to be humored at Mar's efforts. I don't know if Mar noticed, but I did. It made me angry to see these perfectly built and talented young women snickering about the sweetest and most hardworking player I've had as a coach. Mar deserved recognition beyond her skills. After the season I asked Mar over for breakfast and for her permission to share her story. She told me more about her life's adversity; explaining that her "dad" is her uncle and her mom is his second wife. Her biological parents died when she was two from AIDS. Her uncle adopted her and raised her with his first wife, but they divorced. She lived between both homes until she was taken away from her mother to live completely with her Uncle. He eventually remarried to his current wife. Mar is one remarkable young woman, please do her the honor and share her story.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Erb's Palsy
• Volleyball
• College
• NJCAA
• Adversity
• Success
• Team
• Marriya Mobley

[rlooby5658]

check out the United brachial Plexus Network UBPN dot org for any information about Erb's palsey  (Brachial plexus injuries) We have an adult message board that is very active as well.

[Bourgo22]

@rlooby5658 - thank you!! I've passed this information onto Mar :)

[UnholyMexican]

I have this in my right shoulder and trust me....it fucking sucks. I've become so self concious now and my left arm is becoming bigger which makes it worse.

[famososonia]

thanks for the video. my child is almost 7 months and has erb's palsy following difficult birth. we are doing lots of physical therapy. 4 times a week plus excercises at home. his case did not need any surgery. i had hard time accepting his limitation and when i finally did i was convinced that my child would have something more than kids with no limitation. Mar confirmed what i thought for my little one. thanks for sharing.

[ashumosk]

What an amazing story! Harcum really is the "college of possibilities."