Injuries in sports can be more than just physical setbacks; they affect mental health, motivation and team dynamics. For student-athletes, sitting on the sidelines often brings frustration, anxiety and a feeling of being disconnected from their team.
Senior softball player Alyssah Sturdivant knows this all too well after a knee injury kept her off the field for weeks.
“I felt horrible. All I could think about was missing out on games and being there to help my team,” said Sturdivant.
Watching her teammates play while she sat out was difficult, but she credits the support of her coaches and teammates for keeping her spirits up.
“My teammates and coaches have been supportive by giving me the time I need and letting me know that they’re here for me,” said Sturdivant.
Senior varsity soccer player Milton Gomez-Perez also struggled with the mental toll of being sidelined, but found a way to stay motivated.
“When I first found out I was injured, I was destroyed since I knew it would limit what I could do for my team,” said Gomez-Perez.
Despite the setback, the experience gave him new determination.
“It’s been hard on me, but it’s only motivated me to come back stronger and to be better. It’s also made me hungrier to play and to win,” said Gomez-Perez.
Senior varsity football player Henry Minogue experienced similar challenges after tearing his ACL during his junior season.
“It was very hard sitting on the sideline during games, especially when losing, and also going to practice without being able to participate,” said Minogue.
With support from coaches and teammates, he was able to regain confidence and gradually return to practice this year.
Tennis player Summer Schneider’s injury affected both her and her team.
“I was devastated. I held out hope for a long time, thinking I could play, but once I got the news I wouldn’t, it was heartbreaking,” said Schneider.
Still, she remained involved in the team and found a new role as an assistant coach.
“They’ve given me a role on the team as a sort of assistant coach, letting me still feel like I was part of the team,” said Schneider.
Coaches play a key role in helping injured athletes stay connected and motivated. Soccer coach Jared Smith explained that injuries affect both the individual and the team dynamic.
“Injuries impact the overall team dynamic because most injured players were starters or impact players. It forces the team to adapt, which makes the team stronger,” said Smith.
Despite the setbacks, injuries can teach valuable lessons about perseverance, teamwork and mental toughness. For Sturdivant, Gomez-Perez, Minogue and Schneider, these experiences have strengthened both their resolve and their appreciation for their teams.
