For most of 2026, Ciara Briggs could only watch as the Texas Volts took the field. Now, after months of recovery from a brain bleed, the outfielder has been medically cleared to return to softball and has re-signed with the Volts for the 2027 Athletes Unlimited Softball League season.

On Jan. 23, 2026, Briggs was helping with a group hitting lesson when she suddenly experienced a severe headache, eye pain and blurred vision. A trip to the emergency room revealed a brain bleed caused by an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a cluster of abnormal blood vessels in her brain.

Because of its location, doctors could not surgically remove the malformation. Instead, Briggs underwent radiation treatment and began a lengthy recovery that kept her away from softball.

“I would just say the most challenging part is just knowing it is out of my control, and I couldn’t do anything physically to get back on the field,” Briggs said. “If you know me, you know I love softball and being around the game. So obviously, missing an entire season was really hard for me.”

It was especially difficult as Briggs went from the constant action of collegiate and professional softball to being unable to run, lift weights, or practice.

Briggs appeared in 24 games during the inaugural 2025 AUSL season, batting .320 with 16 hits and nine walks. After the first trade in league history sent her from the Carolina Blaze to the Volts on June 22, she started all 14 remaining games for Texas, hitting .385 with 15 hits and six RBIs.

“It was definitely very challenging mentally, just knowing what I used to do,” Briggs said. “But I’m trying, and I think it also helped shape my perspective on life and on trying to see the good in all things.”

That shift in perspective helped Briggs appreciate smaller milestones throughout her recovery, including being allowed to jog again.

A Long-Awaited Return

After months of appointments, uncertainty and setbacks, Briggs finally received medical clearance in late September.

“I was speechless because I think through this whole process I had so many letdowns, and I think I got my hopes up so many times,” Briggs said. “I didn’t allow myself to think, ‘Okay, there’s a possibility of me being cleared,’ because I didn’t want that letdown again.”

Briggs has since resumed training and weightlifting, gradually rebuilding her strength after months of inactivity. She credits her family and friends’ support as she navigated recovery.

Throughout her absence, Briggs also stayed in contact with Volts general manager Cat Osterman and shared updates after each appointment.

“Cat has been so, so amazing through this whole process,” Briggs said. “I’m just super excited to return and play with the girls on the Volts and just get back into it.”

With her return to professional softball now on the horizon, Briggs is approaching the 2027 season with a renewed appreciation for the game.

“I think it has just shown me how precious each moment is,” Briggs said. “Whether it’s success, whether you’re going through a challenge, whether it’s hard, whether it’s easy, just truly being grateful for where you are and just remembering everything that you get to do.

And when she finally puts on her Volts uniform again, Briggs expects the moment to be emotional.

“I’m just excited putting on the jersey and just representing something bigger than myself, and I’m just excited to run out on the field,” Briggs said. “I mean, I can see myself crying the day of the first game. Because I’m just an emotional person, and it just will hit me all at once.”

Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.