One of the worst things that can happen to an athlete is getting injured and not being able to play the sport they love.
Cooper Hughes (he/him), 12, is a member of the football and baseball teams. Hughes tore his ACL during a football practice, taking him out for the rest of the season.
“At first, I didn’t think it was anything major, but I knew something was up with my knee because I fell to the ground right away and needed to get help walking off the field,” Hughes said.
Many injured athletes struggle mentally with taking time away from their sport during recovery.
“Watching my teammates play made me feel disappointed that I couldn’t play one more year with them, but I was happy for them because they had a great season,” Hughes said. “It made me more disappointed that It was my senior year, since I knew that I would never be able to play a sport that I’ve been playing my whole life ever again.”
Evelyn Eggleston (she/her), 11, wrestles for Liberty. She has been injured twice in the past year. Early last year, she injured her knee when it popped out of place, tearing her MPFL (soft tissue that stabilizes the knee) and breaking cartilage. Last season, Eggleston also hyperextended her elbow twice, tearing many ligaments. Eggleston will unfortunately be out for the rest of this season, missing the state competition.
“Getting injured again feels terrible, but it’s not as bad because I know the process of healing and doing my physical therapy. The first time (getting injured) I thought I was never gonna be able to wrestle again, but now, going through it a second time, I feel a lot more comfortable,” Eggleston explained.
Many athletes’ goals change as they get ready to return to their sport after an injury. Normally an injury is in the back of your mind, but for these athletes coming back, it’s one of their biggest worries.
“My goals for next season are definitely going to be making it to the state tournament. But I think the biggest thing will probably be being more protective of my body,” Eggleston said.
Harper Johnson (she/her), 11, is a wrestler and cross-country runner. She injured her left hip during a wrestling practice, popping it out of place. Most athletes are disappointed to be injured, however, Johnson was able to stay positive.
“I got so much closer with all of my teammates because I was able to talk to them more and not only have to focus on wrestling. I could even focus more on how they felt and help them throughout their matches and in practice,” Johnson said.
Johnson is excited to get back on the mat, now that she is cleared to wrestle for the first time since the beginning of the season.
Although there is a huge downside to getting injured, it can also make an athlete a better player. Hughes, Eggleston and Johnson all shared how grateful they are to be able to come back. Their injuries made them realize that even when there are hardships, resilience and a positive attitude will get an athlete back to doing what they love most.
