Smyrna High rallying behind Janae Edmondson after serious injury to honor student, athlete

Hearts were heavy at Smyrna High School on Tuesday.

Students, teachers, coaches and administrators spent much of the day processing and counseling after an accident involving senior Janae Edmondson on Saturday evening.

Rhonda Ross, who is director of MIDTN Volleyball, the club in which Edmondson plays, confirmed via the Edmondson family that Janae suffered amputation of both legs, one above the knee and one just below the knee.

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"With us being off yesterday (for Presidents Day), this was our first day back at school," Smyrna principal Sherri Southerland said. "Counselors have been available, coaches have been available to meet with their teams and students.

"It's OK to show our emotions and how we feel and continue to uphold Janae and her family with the love that we have and the support that we can offer them."

Edmondson, 16, is a volleyball and basketball standout at Smyrna. She was competing with her travel volleyball team in St. Louis and, according to the police report, was a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at 8:39 p.m. Saturday. The vehicle that hit Edmondson had just been struck by another vehicle that, according to the report, violated a yield sign.

According to a GoFundMe page set up to help Edmondson and her family, she was walking with her parents back to their hotel after competing in volleyball matches when the accident occurred.

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Southerland said Edmondson's was in "stable" condition and would remain in a St. Louis hospital for the next three to four weeks before being transported back to Nashville's Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Southerland declined to elaborate on the severity of the injuries.

In addition to the GoFundMe page, there have been numerous social media posts with support.

“We are deeply touched and thankful for the outpouring of love that has been shown for Janae and her family, as well as Smyrna High School the past few days," Southerland said. "Janae is an exceptional young lady who excels both academically and athletically. Her strong commitment to work on and off the court will be a strong part of her recovery over the coming months. We are blessed to have Janae and her family as a part of the Bulldog family, and we will be here for anything that is needed.”

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Edmondson excels in athletics, academics, arts

Edmondson, who transferred to Smyrna from Overton three years ago, isn't just a multi-sport standout. She is a member of the National Honor Society and is taking dual enrollment college courses.

"She's worked hard to maintain her grades, even while playing two sports at the same time," said Lois Bennett, Smyrna English instructor and director of the school's National Honor Society chapter. "Janae wrote recently on an assignment that she considers herself a student first and an athlete second. This demonstrates her devotion to being successful both academically and athletically.”

Edmondson is also a member of the school's orchestra, playing violin.

"It's really neat that she covers all of the three A's − academics, athletics and arts," said Ben Reagh, Smyrna orchestra director. "She's one of the few that can do all three of those and do them pretty well. It's been a joy having her. She's fantastic and does everything I ask of her.

"Janae has such an amazing personality, being able to balance passion and intensity with joy and humility."

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Edmondson 'has a place' with UT-Southern volleyball

On the volleyball court, the UT-Southern commitment led the team in assists (245) and aces (25) while contributing 148 digs and 35 kills.

“We are brokenhearted and devastated at what one of our own is going through and will continue to go through," said Smyrna volleyball coach Katy Bell. "Janae Edmondson is a bright light with a gorgeous smile and a wonderful work ethic. Our volleyball team is a family, and we are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to surround her with hugs, love, and laughter.”

UT-Southern volleyball coach Tristyn Lozano, a former Blackman standout, said that Edmondson will still have an opportunity to be a part of the program.

"We're doing everything we can to support and let her know that she still has a place here," Lozano said. "We're going to take care of her."

Edmondson also helped lead Smyrna's basketball team to the Region 4-4A quarterfinals, averaging seven points per game from the guard position.

“Janae is one of the toughest, most hard nosed kids I have ever had the privilege of coaching," said Smyrna basketball coach Lonny Drayton. "I have known her and her family since she was in elementary school and am completely assured that her family is equipped to make the most out of this tough situation. They are one of the most close knit families I know and Janae will definitely have the foundation to overcome this situation stronger than ever.”

Drayton said his squad would "Play for Janae" when the Lady Bulldogs play at Blackman on Friday night in the region quarterfinals.

"I told the girls, 'This is your sister you're competing for,'" Drayton said. "I don't care if we win or lose ... just compete for her like she would compete for you.

"That's an empty jersey we'll have. It's hard, especially for teenage girls. But they're a resilient bunch. They're emotional right now, which is completely understandable."

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Community throws support to Smyrna athlete Janae Edmondson after accident