Avy’s Comeback from ACL Surgery

From Injury to Identity Shift

Avy tore her ACL  during th championship game just before her senior club volleyball season.

“It seriously messed up my mindset about my purpose as an athlete,” she says. “But it forced me to figure out who I was outside of volleyball—and that might’ve been the most important part.”

Within days of her diagnosis, she started physical therapy at Zenith and began working with Dr. Mariel Hammond, DPT.

“They got me in right away and have been with me every step since.”

Breakthroughs in More Ways Than One

“My first box jump was only four inches, but Mariel and I were yelling and cheering. That was the moment I believed I might actually come back.”

From that day on, Avy’s sessions became about more than rehab.

“Everyone here is so encouraging and knowledgeable. PT actually became enjoyable—we’d be out on the turf yelling or laughing about something stupid. It became a place where I could fully recover and feel good about it.”

Staying the Course

Recovery wasn’t always linear, but Avy kept showing up.

“Even when I wanted to give up, I didn’t let my discouragement win. That’s what I’m most proud of.”

Her advice for others facing an ACL injury?

“It really does get better. You’ll feel like you’re going in circles, but you’ll look back and be proud. And don’t forget to rest—sometimes that’s the most important part.”

Looking Ahead

Avy’s now preparing for college, strong and confident in body and mind.

“Mariel has been a literal gift from God. I trust her completely—she’s been just as involved in my recovery as I have.”