UNLUCKY

September 17th, 2015 | Uncategorized

During my four years at St. Francis College, I tallied 3,660 minutes played in games. During those 3,660 minutes, I was virtually injury free. Sure, I had my bumps, bruises, minor wears and tears, but throughout my college career I never experienced a truly serious injury. That is why I was so shocked when—after just roughly twelve minutes of playing time into my first preseason game for the Waterford Wildcats—I was being carried off the court. In a scrap for a loose ball, one of the opposing players had accidentally fallen into my knee, forcing it painfully inward.

 

So there I sat, behind the bench, leg elevated, ice on, for the rest of the day. I watched the Wildcats play two games without me, while I pouted because I had never had to miss a game before. I was having myself a nice little pity party. In fairness, I was devastated because I love the game so much. The chance to play for another year in Ireland was a blessing that I didn’t know if I would be able to enjoy anymore; I had no idea what kind of damage I had done to my knee or how long it would take me to recover. So yes, I was having a pity party, but at least it was somewhat justified.

 

In the days to come, people would tell me how unlucky it was, that I had gotten injured in my first game in Ireland. But, the more I think about it, the more I think that I haven’t been unlucky at all. In fact, I’d say that I have been extremely lucky.

 

When I was carried off the court, one of my teammates, Sinead, immediately put her sweatshirt around me. This tiny gesture spoke volumes to me. In one of the scariest moments of my career, she was there to give me warmth. And then, she and the rest of my teammates did what they could to comfort me with the limited options from the concession stand; they bought me chips (crisps) and little chocolates, and gave them to me with a note saying that they would make me feel better. Even though I had only met these girls a week before, they were so genuine and kind to me in my moment of need that it would be unfair to describe it as unlucky.

 

Then there was Sarah Benedetti, my longtime friend and teammate from St. Francis College, who is also playing in Ireland as a part of the Sport Changes Life program. Sarah forwent a reunion with a few of the other Victory Scholars in Dublin to come back to my dorm room in Waterford where I would basically spend the next 48 hours being horizontal. She could have had a great time in Dublin, but she chose to make sure that I was okay instead. When I think about the fact that I had Sarah to take care of me, I cannot help but to feel lucky.

 

Other people helped too. John Hayes took me to dinner that night and lunch the next day, and even rebounded for me as a shot while sitting in a chair during our practice slot on Wednesday night. Jillian Hayes drove me from doctor to doctor to physical therapist (or physio as they say) to make sure I will have a speedy recovery.

 

And as it turns out, I have not done any structural damage to my knee. I merely have a bad sprain to my MCL, which means I should be back on the court in four weeks time. Although it is annoying for me to be on crutches right now, the fact that this is the first time in my life that I’ve been on crutches, and the fact that I’ll be off of them soon, makes me feel like a pretty lucky person after all. 

 

 

Victory Scholar: Katie Fox

Present University: Waterford IT

US League: NEC

Club/Community Partner: Waterford Wildcats

Alma Mater: St. Francis College

Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland

 

 

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