By Maggie Foight Every athlete has faced some sort of adversity at one time or another. It’s virtually impossible to escape a challenge, whether it’s a physical injury or mentality issue. For Allie McDennis, a sophomore soccer player at Wilson High School, it’s no different. “Major [injuries] I’ve had include a broken elbow and chipped growth plate… sprained ankles… strained tendons and ligaments… a severe bone contusion… and severe shin splints,” McDennis says. Needless to say, she’s had her fair share of injuries. After every incident, however, she continued to play soccer, as soon as she was well enough. In order to be best prepared when getting ready to return to the game, McDennis makes sure that she cares for her injury as best as possible. “Most of the time I ice, elevate, stretch when I can, and just listen to my coaches and dad… When it’s serious, I might need to go to my orthopedic doctor, who always tells me specific things I can do to rest up. He also gives me painkillers if it’s that bad,” she explains.
Whatever the case, McDennis always makes sure that she does all that she can in order to have a speedy recover so she can get back into her sport again. Without precautionary measures, every athlete faces pain and a heightened risk of damage once she starts working out again. In addition to her trials of injury, McDennis has faced mental challenges as well. When she’s injured, she wishes to play just like any other athlete, but she is able to restrain herself since playing may cause more harm. Ensuring that oneself is physically ready to play again is at the heart of being a prepared athlete. McDennis says, “I always tell myself to take my time and not rush into it even though I want to play because it won’t benefit me in the future. I just remind myself to ice and such, or else I won’t get better. I just need to relax and not play when I’m not prepared enough.” As for other athletes facing adversity, or even just students trying to overcome a challenge, McDennis’s persistence and determination are great examples to follow.
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