Setbacks are part of the journey. Grateful for recovery, support, and patience—back on the court, feeling strong, and focused on showing up my best!
Setbacks are inevitable in any pursuit worth chasing—especially one as physically demanding and emotionally fulfilling as basketball. For those of us who love the game deeply, it’s more than a hobby; it’s an outlet, a passion, a connection to community and competition. So when injury sidelines you, it’s not just the body that suffers—it’s the spirit. But within every setback lies the potential for growth, and after an unexpected pause in April, I’m back on the court, stronger in more ways than one.
This is a reflection on that journey—on recovery, resilience, and the rediscovery of joy in movement.
The Aggravated Piriformis: A Small Muscle, a Big Problem
It started subtly. A tightness in the hip. A little discomfort after games. At first, I chalked it up to overuse or stiffness—something that would fade with a good night’s sleep or a few extra stretches. But instead of improving, it worsened. The dull ache evolved into something sharper and more persistent. Playing through it became painful. My stride changed. And so, reluctantly but necessarily, I hit pause.
The diagnosis: an aggravated piriformis muscle. It’s a small muscle deep in the glute region that doesn’t get much attention until it flares up—and when it does, you feel it. It can affect your stride, your posture, even your lower back. In my case, it stemmed from a slight imbalance in my hips and, admittedly, overtraining. I’d been playing hard and often, pushing through fatigue in a way that was no longer productive.
What I initially saw as “dedication” was, in hindsight, a recipe for injury. There’s a fine line between pushing yourself and ignoring your body’s signals. I’d crossed it.
From Frustration to Focus
The first few days away from the game were the hardest—not physically, but mentally. It’s humbling to admit you need to stop. Even more so to acknowledge that you caused part of the issue by ignoring early warning signs. But once the decision was made, I shifted from frustration to focus. I realized that recovery wasn’t a passive process—it required the same intensity and commitment I brought to the court.
I began physical therapy at Rehab2Perform, a facility whose name perfectly captures the journey I was embarking on. The team there didn’t just treat the injury—they educated me. I learned about how subtle imbalances can cascade into pain. I learned that mobility and stability aren’t just buzzwords—they’re foundations. And I learned that healing isn’t just about resting the injury; it’s about restoring the entire kinetic chain.
The Work Behind the Comeback
Rehab wasn’t glamorous. It was slow, sometimes tedious. But I committed to the process.
There were days of dry needling, where fine needles stimulated deep tissue to release tight muscles. There were graston (scraping) sessions, breaking up scar tissue and fascia to improve mobility. And there were daily exercises—hip bridges, clamshells, band walks, mobility drills—that became as routine as brushing my teeth.
Each movement, though small, was a step forward. I began to feel more connected to my body—more attuned to how I moved, stood, and even sat. And something unexpected happened along the way: I began to enjoy the rehab. Not in a masochistic way, but in the sense that I was learning, progressing, and investing in my long-term health.
The rehab team at Rehab2Perform was exceptional—equal parts knowledgeable and motivational. They reminded me that setbacks are common, but returning stronger is possible when you approach the process with discipline and positivity. They didn’t just treat an injury—they equipped me to prevent future ones.
The Return: Sunday Night Lights
Three weeks and some change later, I laced up my sneakers for the first time and stepped back onto the court.
It was a Sunday night run—a casual, familiar rhythm. The kind of game where the squeak of shoes, the thud of the ball, and the laughter between plays feels like home. I was cautious, sure. I wasn’t out to impress or dominate—I just wanted to move, contribute, and feel how my body responded.
And it felt good. Really good.
There’s a unique joy in playing pain-free after an injury. Movements you once took for granted—cutting hard, jumping for a rebound, accelerating in transition—suddenly feel like gifts. I wasn’t pushing my limits, but I was testing the waters, and the results were reassuring.
Two days later, I played again. A bit more confident, a bit more aggressive. Still smart, still cautious, but undeniably optimistic. My hip felt solid. My mind felt clear. And my love for the game? Undiminished—maybe even deeper than before.
Lessons from the Sideline
Being forced off the court gave me time to reflect—not just on how I train, but why I train. Here’s what I learned:
- Rest is not a weakness. For those wired to push, rest can feel like a loss. But smart rest is part of sustainable performance. I’ve learned to view it not as a pause, but as a strategic reset.
- Prehab is better than rehab. The exercises I once saw as “accessory work” are now core. Glute activations, mobility drills, and hip stability work are no longer optional—they’re essential.
- Listen to the whispers. Injuries don’t come out of nowhere. The body whispers before it screams. Tightness, fatigue, altered movement—these are messages, not annoyances.
- The journey is the reward. Being temporarily sidelined helped me appreciate the process—the warm-ups, the drills, the post-game soreness. It’s not just about performance; it’s about presence.
- Gratitude fuels the grind. When you can’t do what you love, you’re reminded how much it means to you. That gratitude makes the return sweeter and the work more purposeful.
Eyes on the Next Challenge: Coach K Academy
With my body feeling strong and my confidence returning, I’m now looking ahead to an exciting goal: the Coach K Academy, Duke Basketball’s fantasy camp, at the end of May. It’s more than just a basketball event—it’s a celebration of the game, a chance to learn from legends, and an opportunity to test yourself alongside fellow hoopers who share the same passion.
Being at full strength for that experience isn’t just about pride—it’s about presence. I want to show up as my best self, physically and mentally. Not just to play well, but to enjoy every moment, knowing what it took to get there.
A Message to Fellow Athletes
Whether you play pickup once a week or train daily for elite competition, injuries are part of the athletic landscape. They’re frustrating, inconvenient, and sometimes deflating. But they’re also opportunities—chances to learn, recalibrate, and grow.
If you’re currently sidelined, know this: healing is possible, progress is never linear, and your comeback can be even stronger than your setback. Find good support, stay disciplined with your rehab, and most importantly—believe in the process.
Back, Grateful, and Better
Today, I’m back on the court. Not quite 100% game shape yet, but trending upward every session. More importantly, I’m back with a deeper appreciation for what it means to move well, to play hard, and to protect your health.
I’m grateful—for my recovery, for the support from Rehab2Perform, for the patience I was finally able to practice, and for the resilience that the process unlocked in me.
And I’m hopeful—hopeful that this season, both literally and metaphorically, will be one of renewal, strength, and fully enjoying the game I love.
