Heroic coach speaks out after saving toddler

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) – A youth league football coach sprang into action not thinking of himself when he jumped into a 14 foot deep hole to save a young girl.

Terrance Washington was released from the hospital Friday afternoon. While still extremely sore, Washington said he can't be more thankful for how everything turned out.

Surrounded by cards of well wishes from his son's third grade class, Washington still can't quite believe what happened.

"I saw a group of parents and coaches heading in one direction," said Washington.

He was practicing with his youth football team, the West End Yellow Jackets at Russell Lee Park.

"I was around 50 yards away and I just took off running because I knew something was going on," said Washington.

A group was surrounding a large hole. Washington quickly learned Myahana Moore, age 2, had fallen inside. He looked down and could see her tiny silhouette at least 14 feet below.

"It was a deafening scream and I knew that somebody had to get down in the hole quickly," said Washington.

Without hesitation, Coach Washington was on his way down after figuring out a plan with the other adults.

"I kind of worked myself down in the hole up to my waist and I told them you all are going to have to hold me and just drop me and once I clear the lip I'll have to expand my body out, like a Spiderman," said Washington.

Once he made it to the bottom, Washington said, "she grabbed my leg and that's when I knew that nothing was broke or your legs are not broke and then she gave me a hug."

Washington did everything he could to try to keep her calm.

"We sung nursery rhymes, you never know as an adult when you are going to need that nursery rhyme," said Washington.

More than an hour and 15 minutes later, crews pulled the little girl and the coach to safety. He's a heroic coach, not wanting the title, just wanting to help at a time in need.

"I really didn't think about the personal risk to me just getting down to that child was the most important thing in securing her," said Washington.

Washington is not taking a break from coaching. He will be at his team's game Saturday morning at Waggener High School.

He wants to especially thank Ms. Patton's class at Wellington Elementary for all the nice cards of support.

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