Sitting alone on the sidelines, watching all your teammates practice for the upcoming game, the desire to join them tugs at your spirit; yet, an injury keeps you confined, casting you out of action for what feels like a lifetime.

Injuries in sports are inevitable. In fact, according to AdventHealth, over two million high school athletes each year face the harsh reality of not being able to compete because of them.

However, for some athletes, these injuries do not stop them from coming back or take away motivation to continue playing, but rather act as a period of reflection and rejuvenation.

Senior volleyball player Maddie Fee was among these athletes. She suffered an ACL tear her sophomore year, which would typically amount to a year-long absence, but the time doubled to a two year long absence after rupturing her quadriceps tendon junior year.

“[Being out] was upsetting because it was something that I couldn’t control, but it pushed me to want to get better and constantly work out so I could get back to the sport,” Fee said.

Another student-athlete, senior Brayden Hemje, also had various injuries that set him out for a full cross country season and full track season.

“It really sucked, you got to see all your friends go down to the track for warmups; you don’t realize how much you actually miss [the sport], until you’re not able to do it anymore,” Hemje said.

But it’s not just the player’s  individual mentality that helps them get back;  the role that their community plays is just as important.

“My friends didn’t want these injuries to fully overtake everything I did, and they really pushed me to not give up,” Fee said.

This social aspect of sports has also been one of the most motivational factors for an athletes’ desire to continue playing. They are willing to come back for the team as much as they are for their sport.

“Every time you go out on a run with your friends, and the days when you work out with all of them is why I like the teamwork aspect [of team sports] over individual sports,” Hemje said.

Although, friends play a key role in recovery. Coaches and training staff are as instrumental in the recovery process by creating a strong support system, allowing the athletes to focus on rebuilding.

“My coaches were helpful as they told me when to take [days] off and when to run. The training staff and training room were helpful in my recovery as well,” Hemje said.

Athletic trainer Emma Baumann, who helped treat Hemje among various other student-athletes, sees many types of injuries, but only a few that are threatening for an athlete’s season.

“Minor injuries are pretty common especially in contact sports. Bruises and soreness are the most common minor injuries. However, a major injury that ends the athlete’s season would be such as a broken bone or a torn ligament,” Baumann said.

As a trainer, she not only has to help students with their physical injuries, but she also has the job of making sure they are doing well mentally, observing how students react depending on their conditions.

“Plenty of athletes go through the five stages of grief after a season-ending injury. It is very important that they stay involved and feel like they are still a part of the team even after a season ending injury,” Baumann said.

However, she believes that the small steps are the most important way for athletes to overcome their grief and pain, aiding them in fighting to return to their beloved activities.

“I try to motivate them [by telling them] that they can get back as soon as possible. I show them the little victories while during rehab exercises. We set little goals to see if they can achieve them. I have had a couple injuries previously so I try to make connections with them over that,” Baumann said.

For an athlete, being forced away from their sport can feel like breath being stolen from their lungs. But for some, their love for the sport holds enough motivation to push them through recovery.

As Fee and Hemje look forward to finishing their senior years in their respective sports, they will never forget the fight they went through to get there. They will always remember the pain that transformed into passion.