Many athletes, no matter the sport, get injured – whether it’s volleyball, basketball, track or golf. These athletes face significant injuries and their story highlights how they returned stronger, from the time of diagnosis to conquering their sport once again. Their journeys reveal that the recovery process is not only only made up of physical rehab but also the mental resilience needed to overcome road blocks.
“Praying made me have a positive mindset throughout my recovery process,” freshman Carter Caraway said. “Without it, I wouldn’t be on the field.”
The mental process of suffering an injury is often overlooked, yet this component is crucial in an athlete’s recovery. According to the National Institute of Health, the mind influences the healing process either positively or negatively.
Maintaining a positive mindset can help athletes manage pain more effectively which can improve an athlete’s rehab experience. However, a negative mindset can result in difficulties, which can lead to depression and fear of re-injury which can prevent the athlete from trying to play again.
“Stem and cupping was my holy grail in physical recovery,” freshman Eloisa Maes said.
Setbacks are natural when it comes to the injury process. Within these setbacks comes an opportunity to grow and learn.
“I played with my injury so this led to it becoming worse,” sophomore James Cook said. “Once I went to the doctor they said playing on the injury made me have to rest longer.”
Recovery is not a journey athletes take on themselves — it is carried by a support system behind them. That team could be trainers, coaches, family or friends. This support system is what keeps the injured athletes going. When they start to feel like the process is never going to end, their team is the encouragement that fills the void.
“My mom is the person who supported me the most,” Cook said. “She was with me every step of the way.”