A number of Rutherford County schools bonded together Friday, dressing in purple to honor and support Smyrna athlete Janae Edmondson, who was critically injured in an accident involving an automobile Feb. 18 in St. Louis.
Students and teachers from schools around the county wore purple to school and to Region 4-4A girls basketball quarterfinal games Friday, spreading the news around social media under the moniker “PlayForNae.”
MORE:Smyrna High rallying behind Janae Edmondson after serious injury to honor student, athlete
The St. Louis Wheel, a 200-foot observation wheel that is a landmark in the city’s downtown area, will roll in purple colors this weekend to honor Edmondson.
The two-sport athlete had both legs amputated as a result of being struck by an automobile while walking downtown following a club volleyball tournament. She is still in a St. Louis hospital. It will urge people to help with a GoFundMe account titled “Pray for Janae”
Edmondson is a three-year starter on the Smyrna basketball team, which was playing at Blackman in the Region 4-4A quarterfinals Friday.
She was also a standout on the volleyball court, where she committed to UT-Southern earlier this month.
UT-Southern volleyball coach Tristyn Lozano said that Edmondson will still have an opportunity to be a part of the program.
∙ There will be a drive-thru donation drop at Smyrna High on Saturday, March 4 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m, in front of the school. Those who wear purple will get something to honor Janae in return.
ALL STUDENTS WEAR PURPLE TOMORROW‼️ we are doing this in support for the Smyrna student who was hurt this week. This will also be our theme for the girls basketball game against Smyrna.
The game is at home @7
BE THERE AND WEAR PURPLE— BHS Student Section (@StudentSecBHS) February 23, 2023