Sophomore year approached as Brooke Conlon prepared for her first volleyball club game. After a strong season playing for Marist High School she was eager to now represent her club team, Michio, playing as their starting middle hitter.
However, what was supposed to be a fun return to the court quickly turned into an athlete’s worst nightmare.
“I was wearing Nike shoes that had bubbles in them and one of them popped, when I landed my ankle went 90 degrees,” says Conlon.
Although Conlon had played volleyball for eight years, this was her most serious injury and one she knew would have the biggest impact on her future. It was a nightmare scenario especially during recruiting season for colleges.
“Based on the emotional terminal the student can face during the injury it can really impact the students motivation and grades can certainly take a hit,” says counselor Tasia Buford-Howell.
What followed was a test of patience and discipline. As Conlon worked hard on her physical health and well-being she had to focus just as hard on her mental health.
“Like anything else in life you have to have a positive mental attitude to overcome whatever adversary you are faced with,” says physical therapist Tim Jouras. “If you have people with a negative attitude it won’t improve due to the attitude.”
The road to recovery was not easy but Conlon stayed motivated and committed to taking her physical therapy seriously so she could get back on the court as soon as possible.
“Telling them to believe in their hard work and that they will get there exactly when they are supposed to. Lots of things are out of your control but your work ethic is what you can control, says Jouras.”
Twice a week for two years Conlon dedicated her time to recovering at physical therapy.
From receiving heat and ankle rotation exercises to finally being able to apply weight on her hurt ankle, and eventually run on the treadmill, Conlon stayed committed to her goal of returning to the court.
“I had a great support system and that definitely helped make my recovery process feel faster and make it go by easier,” says Conlon.
By the start of her junior year Conlon was cleared to play again. She returned slowly with caution and determination. It wasn’t long before her old confidence came back and she was playing at her full potential again.
What felt like something impossible when she first got injured was now becoming reality as Conlon and the Marist volleyball team won state in 2024.
During July, 2024 Conlon was recruited to play for John Carroll University as a middle hitter for their volleyball team.
“This was such an exciting opportunity for me. Playing college volleyball was something I had always dreamed about so it actually felt a little unreal,” says Conlon.
Now Conlon gets to attend John Carroll this fall where she will be double-majoring in biology and italian.
“Getting injured is almost a part of being an athlete and it can almost help you become a better one,” says Conlon. “It makes you realize how lucky you are to be playing the sport you love.”
