In high school sports, injuries can derail a season, but for many PVHS athletes, they become defining moments of growth.
Across all sports on the PV High campus, student athletes have shown perseverance through their fight to return even stronger than before.
Senior football player, Dabe Nwude has faced many injuries in his high school career, with his most recent ACL tear.
“It definitely impacted me negatively at first, but in the end it taught me how to fight through things better,” Nwude said.
“Making sure you have people around you supporting you is probably the best way to keep your mental state intact,” Nwude said.
Although the recovery process was rough, Nwude kept his mental and physical health up throughout the entirety of his fight to get back on the field.
These injuries not only happen on the field, but also on the basketball court. Senior Bennett Sieck faced a recovery process of his own.
“After I tore the ligament in my ankle I knew it would be tough to keep my confidence up, but I knew if I focused on one step at a time, I would get back to playing at full speed,” Sieck said.
The recovery process forced Sieck to stay consistent and positive through this setback. His return to the court this year highlights the discipline needed to rebuild strength and mental confidence.
“The key to my recovery was staying consistent in physical therapy and keeping my mind occupied,” Sieck said.
In addition to his own efforts, Sieck credited those around him for helping him through the recovery process.
“Having those people around me constantly supporting me, like my coaches, teammates and parents really gave me the confidence to push through my injury,” Sieck said.
Sieck has now fully recovered and is starting point guard for the varsity team this year.
Back onto the field, senior varsity soccer player, Gemma Pappas, is currently recovering from an ACL tear.
“I am going to physical therapy three times a week. I try keeping my confidence and keeping a good mental state just by celebrating the small accomplishments I make at physical therapy,” said Pappas.
Pappas is a division one commit headed to the University of Oregon, and was initially nervous to tell her coaches about her injury.
“Telling my college coaches that I tore my ACL was a scary conversation to have, but to hear them be supportive of my recovery was very comforting for me,” said Pappas.
Pappas said that the most important thing in her recovery was having the support from her family, friends and coaches.
From the football field to the basketball court to the soccer pitch, PVHS athletes continue to push forward despite obstacles.
Their stories show that an athlete is not defined by their setbacks, but rather how they respond.