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Replies: 11
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All-In [10430]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Valerie Cagle
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May 31, 2024, 1:56 PM
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Saw this post by her on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C7ohFaqOsa3/
It take a lot of courage to admit to mental health issues. Blow out a knee, tear a rotator cuff, get a concussion, have a death in the family, break a bone, etc - people are very forgiving and understanding about those things, as they should be. But mental health is too often referenced as weakness, softness, etc. The mind and emotions are no differently a part of our bodies, just as susceptible to injury or strain. I think a lot of us suspected that there were some issues going on with her that weren't being addressed during the year. We all speculated what they might be and why. Ultimately, none of our speculation matters.
The bottom line is she's a very strong, very talented young lady who will go far in life and athletics. I'm proud to call her a fellow alumnus and Tiger. We were blessed beyond measure to have her on campus and a key part of starting this program. I look forward to following her in years to come!
Go Val and Go Tigers!
Text from her post:
To close out mental health awareness month, I want to share something that I haven’t talked about before.
Pictures like this are my favorite, and they don’t show the whole story. I have felt alone, trapped, blamed myself for my experiences, and have felt so much shame because of the mental health struggles I have and continue to experience. It got to the point where I had to take myself off the field and take some time to figure out what I need in order to get back in a healthy way. Someone close to me asked before this season what I wanted to use my platform for, and I really wasn’t sure. I wasn’t ready to share this part of my story because of how hard it is for me to accept myself. When I made the decision to take a break, it shifted my perspective. I realized how much the people around me make the sport what it is for me, and I want to use my platform to strengthen this community. You are not alone and it’s ok to not be ok
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CU Medallion [20850]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Explains a lot. Thanks for posting.***
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May 31, 2024, 2:03 PM
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Orange Immortal [62661]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Valerie Cagle
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May 31, 2024, 2:14 PM
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Thanks, I'm glad she's finally opening up. Known it a while but wasn't my story to tell. Apologies for being vague back during the season when some of us were asking for prayers for Val. It's so misunderstood. It's sad but she has a wonderful support center. Then again, so did Grayson Murray. Just keep the prayers up for her and her family.
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Paw Warrior [4856]
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Re: Valerie Cagle
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May 31, 2024, 2:25 PM
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God bless her! I get it for sure. I’ve had a few issues with depression over the years and it’s tough. What was so hard about it for me was I didn’t know why I was depressed. I had no reason to be depressed. Life was good! For those that have never experienced it it’s hard to explain. Each time I worked my way out of it and haven’t had any issues for years now but my 1st time I was her age. You see people like her and Grayson Murray and they have everything going for them so it’s so hard to explain how they feel if you haven’t been through it yourself.
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Valley Protector [1499]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Valerie Cagle
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May 31, 2024, 2:25 PM
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To the folks who were bashing her on this forum earlier this season shame on you. It's pathetic. God bless you young lady and thanks for choosing Clemson.
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Valley Legend [13067]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Valerie Cagle
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May 31, 2024, 3:20 PM
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I don't think I ever saw a post bashing her. I saw plenty asking what is up or making speculations. Just because someone says Val is not herself doesn't mean they are bashing her. I think overall everone was very supportive but wondered what ailment she was dealing with since she was a shell of previous seasons.
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TigerNet Elite [76806]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 2004
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Re: Valerie Cagle
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May 31, 2024, 3:54 PM
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So many like to create fake "bad fans" that they can then proclaim to shame and be better than.
Makes them feel better.
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Valley Legend [12531]
TigerPulse: 98%
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Re: Valerie Cagle
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May 31, 2024, 6:41 PM
[ in reply to Re: Valerie Cagle ] |
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To the folks who were bashing her on this forum earlier this season shame on you. It's pathetic. God bless you young lady and thanks for choosing Clemson.
I don’t recall a single person bashing her. Plenty questioned if something was wrong as her play this year was not nearly as good as years past. Shame on you for accusing fans of something which I don’t believe happened. We are sports fans so we comment on both the good and bad
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Clemson Conqueror [11950]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Valerie Cagle
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May 31, 2024, 2:39 PM
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Wish her the best! She represented herself and Clemson very well during her tenure!!
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All-Time Great [94433]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Atta Girl!!!
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May 31, 2024, 3:11 PM
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Many days will pass before we ever have a TIGER that represented us this well AND means as much to Our Softball Program as Valerie.
She is and might every well always be, “The G.O.A.T.” !!!
She has earned my admiration and her “name” will always be safe in my mouth . . . My prayers will continue for her . . . they are never earned, rather freely lifted on her behalf.
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Valley Legend [12594]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Valerie Cagle
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May 31, 2024, 4:57 PM
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I don't care about her performance on the softball field as that is not really important..... she is an All-American young lady if she never played an inning of softball. It really takes a strong person to talk about mental health issues and I have the utmost respect for her post on Instagram. She is simply the BEST!
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Heisman Winner [85710]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Joined: 2003
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It just goes to show, even someone who you think has the world at their feet,
May 31, 2024, 6:43 PM
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like Valerie Cagle at Clemson, can be just totally struggling on a personal level. Lots of conversation today about people overcoming depression, but, there are different kinds of depression. Actual Clinical Depression is a medical condition, and may require the help of medications to overcome. Don't be afraid to ask for help, it is an illness, like any other illness.
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Replies: 11
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