Sport has impacted me greatly throughout my life; really to the point where trying to put it in words is near impossible. I was on the fence about posting this blog mainly because not many people know my story. I’m not exactly what you would call an “open book”. However, I figured this year in Ireland was all about opening up and growing, so I decided to share my story.
Like almost every young adult, I’ve faced a lot of adversity throughout my life. Whether it was career threatening injuries or other personal battles I’ve always had sport to help guide me towards a larger purpose.
When I was a junior in high school my dad was diagnosed with stage 3 bladder cancer. It all happened so fast and came as a complete shock to myself and my family. My dad spent months in the hospital and there were weeks that went by where I couldn’t see him. With my sister away at college and my mom going straight to the hospital after she finished work, I was home alone a lot. Some of the only things I really had keeping me going were my academics, basketball and of course the support from my close friends and family. It was extremely difficult for me to process what was going on. My dad is the hardest working man I know. He is my coach, my biggest critic (in a positive way), and my biggest fan. He pushes me to be the best student, athlete, and person I can be. My dad is the reason for my love of sports and seeing him sick like that was the hardest thing I’ve had to go through in my life.
Basketball gave me the outlet I needed during these tough times to just forget about everything. I was able to turn to my teammates and coaches for the support and extra push I needed. Junior year was one of the most important years for academics and athletics because I knew I wanted to play basketball in college. Fortunately, this year was one of my best years both academically and athletically. I had my best basketball season yet, helping my team reach the PIAA State Playoffs while leading the team in scoring and receiving all-conference honors. I also was able to maintain over a 4.0 GPA.
Fast forward to my senior year in high school; thankfully my dad was recovering from his treatments and things were looking up! He was able to come to all of my games this year and I was not going to disappoint. I had a really good start to my senior year; averaging over 20 points per game, helping the team claim first-place in our league, and getting looks from numerous college coaches. Then, about three quarters of the way through our season, I endured every athlete’s worst nightmare. I was driving down the lane, planted my feet, pivoted to make a pass (something I don’t normally do haha), and felt a pop in my knee. Immediately I went down grasping my knee in pain. I was thinking to myself, no way, there’s no way this just happened. My family was in the stands and a few college coaches were here to see me play. I was absolutely devasted, I did everything in my power to not let my high school career end like that. Foolishly, I only sat out a few games and tried to play again. I ended up playing 5 more games but was unable to play to my full capabilities.
After the season, I got an MRI and was told the three devasting letters that no one wants to hear, ACL. I tore my ACL and meniscus. At first, I was crushed. I knew I wanted to play ball in college, but this injury left my basketball career in uncertainty. Some of the coaches who were recruiting me backed off, but luckily, I still had some interest. I chose to play for coach Hunter at York College and among many other things, his support throughout my injury helped make my decision easier. I knew the road to recovery was going to be grueling but my love for basketball pushed me every step of the way.
Basketball is more than just a game to me. It got me through the toughest times in my life. Basketball helped me cope with my dad’s illness, who has been in complete remission for over 5 years now! It got me through my injury. It has pushed me to be a better person on and off the court. Basketball has taught me so many life lessons that I still carry with me today.
Sport really does change lives and basketball has forever changed my life.
