Let’s face it, injuries are the worst part of being an athlete. Although this is true, it also humbles you and allows you to appreciate the sport even more. After suffering a cracked head, 2 sprained ankles, and a torn ACL and meniscus all in a year’s time frame, I’ve felt it all. Everything.
I’ll be honest, none of those injuries come close to an ACL tear, let alone an ACL tear the first night of basketball tryouts SENIOR YEAR. All throughout high school, I never felt like I got to perform the way I wanted to. I had all the worth ethic and skills at practice, but I never got that full confidence in games and it ate me alive. I remember running the bleachers after my bad games because of how upset I was with how I played. My life and happiness revolved around my performance, which I’m sure so many athletes relate to.
Going into my senior year, I was more confident than ever. I had worked my butt off all summer and I improved all my flaws, I was feeling more ready than ever. Thirty minutes into tryouts, pop. I knew it didn’t feel right. I felt all the negative emotions a human could feel within 5 seconds. That first week after surgery was the most difficult week of my life. Two weeks after, I was back at practices supporting my team. As the captain, I refused to miss a game or practice unless I had to because I knew I could still make an impact off the court.
I feel like so many athletes go into an “end of the world” feeling when they get injured, but I PROMISE YOU, THERE IS ALWAYS SILVER LINING. Yes, I felt like my life had fallen apart at least the first 2 months after the injury, but I knew I had to move on and I had to make the best out of the situation, and I know that’s easier said than done. I refused to allow this to steal any more of my happiness. If you are suffering from an injury, I understand everything you are feeling, but you must use it as fuel. Yes, you were not expecting to get hurt (who ever does?), so take the time you need to accept it and to feel all the emotions, but do not let it consume you. Pick yourself up and try again. It’s not over until YOU decide that. No one can stop you unless you stop yourself, remember that.
I won’t lie, sitting out for games and practices is one of the hardest parts, but it also allows you to see the game from a different perspective. Help the team by giving advice, cheering them on, and don’t be afraid to come up with drills to share with the coach! Your contributions and your dedication will NOT go unnoticed, and your resilience will shine. Whether you think so or not, your teammates will look at you as an inspiration and as a person who never gives up. It’s important to be that role model for them. Allow recovering from an injury to STRENGTHEN you not only physically, but MENTALLY.
To any athlete out there who has suffered or is suffering from a season-ending injury or lost their senior year, you are not alone and I promise you it just makes your story that much greater.
