Sophomore McIntosh JV Girls Basketball player Sam Massman had to forcefully stop playing mid-season due to an ACL and meniscus injury. According to Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of an ACL injury usually include: A loud pop sound or a “popping” sensation in the knee, severe pain and inability to continue activity or sport, rapid swelling, a loss of range of motion as well as a feeling of unstableness with weight bearing. The article also states that females have an increased risk of injuring their ACL due to large-scale differences in anatomy and muscle strength compared to males.

At first, Massmann didn’t know she had been injured so significantly and found out through an X-ray conducted at the doctors office.

“I found out I had torn my ACL at the doctors office and when that happens you just have to make a lot of decisions all at once. Having to stop playing sports is the worst part,” Massmann said.

Her injury not only affected her ability to play basketball, but also negatively impacted her mental health. Massmann struggled with the idea of quitting her sport mid-season.

“Mentally, this is the hardest thing I have ever had to go through,” Massmann said.

This kind of injury requires surgery, keeping her off of the courts for the remainder of the season.

“I had surgery and am two months through the nine to twelve month healing process. I have physical therapy twice a week and I practice [it] everyday,” Massmann said.

Without daily practices and games, Massmann’s daily schedule has shifted, alongside her perspective. For other student athletes experiencing a similar injury, she recommends focusing on giving back to the community, rather than just accepting that you are unable to play and continuing to be upset about it.

“Fill your time with other things. Try to take advantage of not playing sports to try new things and give back to the community,” Massmann said.