Cara's Corner at Devine Diamond
A Remembrance of Cara Neumann, Kent State Softball's "Angel in the Outfield"
"In the fall of 2016, I was approached by a local teacher about a very special middle school student who was a passionate young athlete and softball player, as well as a huge Kent State fan. Not long after hearing about this inspiring girl and her battle with cancer, our softball family was introduced to Cara and the Neumann family. What began as a brief introduction and a few pictures quickly became the merging of our two families. With the help of our friends on the Kent State Football team, Cara and her family became a fixture on campus. Cara was along for the roller coaster ride that became our 2017 championship campaign. Most notably, Cara was front and center as we made our run to the 2017 MAC Tournament Championship. It was a wonderful day. One that we will undoubtedly cherish for our entire lives, and Cara was with us all the way. Less than a year later, we lost our teammate and family member. Cara was called home on Jan. 7, 2018, but her KSU teammates have kept her in their minds and hearts."
- Eric Oakley, Kent State Softball Head Coach 2016-2023
"To know Cara was to love Cara. She fully embodied strength and courage and everything that comes with it. But most importantly, she embodied everything it means to be a Golden Flash. Cara’s smile and contagious positive attitude have left a lasting impression on everyone whose life path crossed hers. She will always be our ‘Angel in the Outfield.’"
- Allie Luther, ’18
"I often think how when I first met Cara, I thought we were making a dream of hers a reality. But as our relationship with her grew, I very quickly realized she was changing our lives through hers. Cara embodied grit like none other. She was a true light to us, and I will carry her life lessons with me forever."
- Hunter Brancifort, ’19
"One memory of Cara that will always have a lasting impression on me was during the MAC Tournament in 2017. We lost our first game to OU, and I remember leaving the field upset and realizing that the season was coming to an end. Someone tapped me and said that Cara would like to talk to me. We took a picture and she looked at me and said, ‘It’s okay, you got this.’ At the time I was still upset and said thank you and hugged her. That night I realized this sweet girl who is battling something much bigger than most, something she never should have endured, told me that we got this. It flipped something in my mind and put everything in perspective that it’s just a sport, but I could play for her. Somehow our team won three games in one day to win the championship, and I attribute it all to our good luck charm Cara. To this day, she continues to have an impact on my life. When things are good or bad, she will always help me see how beautiful this life is."
- Ronnie Ladines, ’17
