I thought it was going to be just another day like any other, but I was very wrong. It was the first day of school, my sophomore year. I had volleyball practice after school just like everyday for the past year and a half. We were doing a blocking drill that we have done many times. It was my turn so I did it just like always. Run, Drive, Slant, Up! It was the down that cost me my sophomore season.
I came down and landed on the foot of my teammate. My knee went to the side and I felt a snap like the feel of a rubber band breaking. I lay on the floor crying thinking the worst. Pessimistic me was sitting there thinking of my four family members who have torn their ACL’s. It was one of those things where you hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
It wasn’t until about a week later that we actually got the MRI results back. It was official that I had a torn ACL, and my season was over. My family, team, and friends were so supportive. I believe that everything happens for a reason. My four family members who have already been through this knew how to help me. Maybe one of the reasons they tore theirs was to help me. Who knows maybe someday there will be someone I can help because I have been through this.
Although tearing my ACL is definitely not what I was hoping for, everything happens for a reason. Maybe one of the reasons was to help improve my driving. I turned 16 three weeks before my surgery, so now I get to drive to therapy two times a week. It is about a 45 minute drive and I have become a much better and more cautious driver because of it.
I believe God is teaching me many life lessons through this. I now know that life isn’t always going to be fair, but you have to move on and work harder. It’s taught me to get back up, keep your eye on the prize, and keeping pushing toward your goal. Just because you have a minor set-back, don’t give up.
I believe that my injury has refreshed my love for the game. I had been playing just about everyday for a year and a half before the injury. Volleyball was still fun, but some days I am really hard on myself and get frustrated. Now all I can think about is the first time I get to hit the court again. I am counting down the days. I believe I have gotten my true love for the game back!
I would not choose to go through this again, but I believe it has made me stronger. It has only been six months since that day and already I have been able to use this in a positive way. Who knows how many good things can come from this in the future. Maybe, but hopefully not, my kids will go through this and I will know exactly how to help them. Maybe I will become a physical therapist and help people like me everyday. Everything happens for a reason. This, I believe.