“You could miss the whole season.”

My physical therapist was worried. It was my first high school season, and I could miss it all. So many thoughts rushed through my head. Maybe nothing would even be the same after this. I felt a deep amount of hopelessness. The thought of giving up ran through my head constantly as the days narrowed. This was my life, and I felt as if I had nothing else. There was only one option; I couldn’t give up.

The cold rush runs through my entire leg. The crisp, cold ice cubes slowly start to melt away. I wasn’t going to let what the physical therapist told me hold me back. I was determined more than ever. Every morning and every night I would feel the jolting rush of the excruciatingly frozen ice water. Without knowing even with the recovery if I’d be able to play again this year; I still persevered through. All of the repetitive exercises and strength conditioning felt amazing in a way. In the moment it's painful, but it gives me a sense of relief. Like I was going to play again. Even by the season. 

Sweat slowly dropped from the soaked tips of my hair. I was worn out. Two long and brutal months had gone by, and finally I was seeing results. The old fat, purple ankle was gone. It was almost as if I got a whole new one. Finally, it was time to see if I could play. The car ride was long and anxious. ‘Click’ The car door flies open as I excitingly speed walk through the front doors. The cold doctors’ office air hit my face. It was finally time as I took a seat in the empty waiting room. It was so quiet. I was stuck listening to my own anxious thoughts and the clock ticks by. They call my name and my heart drops. The doctor finally gets to the room and thoroughly goes through the procedures to clear my ankle. About 30 minutes went by and we were done. I was cleared! So many joyous and excited thoughts go through my head. I was going to be able to play my freshman year.

This was such an important experience for me because at this age I didn’t know I was anything more than basketball. I was only out for a couple months, yet I had to put in some extreme work that not even the doctors thought would heal my ankle. During this time I realized I was more than basketball. I knew that I would take this experience and turn it into life skills. Even though I was at a low point because of an injury; I battled back and defied the odds. I even learned a lot about myself, and that is that I’m a very hard worker, I’ll do anything for something I love, and no matter the odds I’ll always put up a fight back. Now that I’m 18 and a senior in high school I can proudly say that these life skills have helped me with jobs, school, and helping others.