ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Nine-year-old Emerson Matz from Rockford is competing for the Youth Athlete of the Year award, standing out not only for her skills as a softball catcher but also for her resilience as a survivor of sexual assault.

Emerson, who has been playing softball since T-ball, is recognized for her exceptional performance on the field, often playing with older girls and earning praise from her coach, Sue McCombs, for her encouragement and skill.

"She came in and she stepped up for us. She fit right in with the team. She was encouraging. She has a good bat. She's an excellent catcher," McCombs said.

Emerson's mother, Brittany Matz, shared, "When she was younger, she was sexually assaulted herself, by the child that I adopted. She was brave enough to come forward and talk to

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