Breaking Down -> Balling Out

After suffering a severe back injury during the first semester of my freshman year my life as I knew it capsized. A herniation in my L5/S1 disc put me in six months of physical therapy and caused the most pain I have ever experienced. This meant I was sidelined for an entire basketball season, envying my healthy teammates.  Growing up an athlete, an integral part of my identity was rooted in my ability to perform on the court. I’d felt as though I lost a piece of myself. 

Despite this, during basketball season I made the conscious decision to carve a role for myself despite my inability to contribute physically and statistically. What was my role rooted in? Connection. I sought to do everything in my power to connect with my teammates: getting to know them outside of basketball, helping them figure out who they’re guarding in games, calling out other team’s plays, and cheering them on no matter what. At every practice and every game I brought consistent positive energy. While positivity may not seem so important, when the starting five is both mentally and physically fatigued as we get deep into the season there has to be someone to pick them up. I was that someone.

Even though my first two years of my basketball career at Wesleyan were injury filled, I was still selected by my teammates and coaches to be a captain my junior year. This achievement was a testament to my personability. I am able to connect with each of my teammates in a unique way, fostering an environment on our team that is a healthy balance of serious and light-hearted. Now, I view everything as a privilege. It is a privilege to be sore, every hard practice is a gift. My time spent away from basketball has made me live with gratitude, more driven, and a better leader in every facet of my life.