9-year-old Rockford sexual assault survivor hopes to inspire as youth athlete of the year

9-year-old Rockford sexual assault survivor hopes to inspire as youth athlete of the year

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 encouragem…