Eagle Era

The battles athletes face while recovering from injuries

By Tiffany Notice 

For many athletes, injuries can happen in a flash, turning a single moment into a season-altering event. Being sidelined due to such an injury can challenge both their confidence and sense of self.

Huibo Yang (9) is a first year wrestler who dislocated her elbow during a match and cannot compete for the rest of the season. While Yang’s physical recovery has been steady, the mental toll has been an obstacle. “I experienced anxiety about my recovery when I got injured. I feel more alone, and the fear that I may not be able to wrestle the same after recovery scares me.” 

Despite Yang’s mental setback, she is determined to stay committed to her recovery. “Rehab is not easy; I go from tiny exercises that bore me to stretches that hurt,” she said.

In order for her to remain active and ready for next season, she added, “I go to the weight room, do biking for cardio, and work legs and core.” 

Kristin Calhoun, AHS’s new athletic trainer, said, “I see an increase in injuries as the season goes on, due to fatigue and repetitive stress buildup.”  

“Sports that involve constant cutting [a misdirection maneuver] and contact tend to have longer recoveries,” Calhoun said. “If an athlete were to return too quickly, it can lead to long-term problems or a chance at re-injuring.” 

Through her job, Calhoun has noticed patterns in how students respond to the recovery process. “Athletes who are struggling mentally may become withdrawn or rush their recovery out of fear of falling behind,” she said. “Helping athletes trust their body again is a key part of the healing process.” 

Elisha Escueta (12) has been playing volleyball for 6 years and has suffered multiple injuries. “I have had multiple concussions, sprained ankles, and more,” she said. “I had to watch others play the sport I love while sitting on the sidelines. That took a toll on my confidence in my sport.” 

After Albert Pinto (9) sprained his neck, he still showed up for his team at the Logan wrestling dual meet (Photo Credit: Tiffany Notice (12)).

Escueta felt like she was getting left behind. “I was also stuck at home thinking of what I could’ve done to prevent my injury,” she said. “I kept getting into my head because I put so much effort into being better.”

The road to recovery becomes a defining part of students’ athletic journeys. “It’s a test to see if an athlete can bounce back or just sulk in misery,” Escueta said.