Loving something more than anything, yet not being able to do it, is a terrible thing. That’s how I feel about softball. I found love for the sport 6 years ago, and if anyone took the ability to play away from me forever, I genuinely would not know what to do. The mere thought makes me frustrated, and that is how many people feel when they face a sports-related injury.
Many athletes play for coaches, rankings, and approval instead of for themselves. Here’s the truth: Your sport is what you do, not who you are. I used to think my sport was my identity. It controlled my emotions, my self-worth, and my confidence. If I played well, I felt on top of the world. If I didn’t, I would feel lost. However, here’s the truth no one tells you…. You are NOT your sport.
When I injured my knee junior year and then fractured my fibula senior year, I had to face that reality. I was forced to step away for a month, and it made me realize: if my whole identity was tied to my sport, who was I?
That’s when everything changed. Instead of gripping onto the game out of fear, I learned to let go. I stopped playing for validation and started playing for joy. I stopped chasing perfection and started trusting my instincts: No overthinking, no fear of failure, just pure love for the game.
Whether it’s a sprained ankle, a stress fracture, or something more severe, injuries are a nearly inevitable part of an athlete’s journey. But how athletes respond physically and mentally, can define their recovery process just as much as surgery or rehab.
The physical toll
For most athletes, physical therapy becomes their second sport. Dr. Daniel Solar, a sports medicine specialist in Coral Gables, says recovery is a full-time job.
“People often underestimate how disciplined recovery has to be,” he said. “We are talking about hours of mobility work, strength training, and pain management. It’s not cute, and it’s not fast.”
“I went from practicing five days a week to doing slow, painful stretches in a clinic in the Gables,” said senior Helen Duarte, a softball player who suffered a torn meniscus mid-season. “There’s nothing fun about rehab, but you have to treat it like the most important game of your life.”
The American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine indicates that approximately 3.5 million sports injuries are reported each year among youth athletes alone, encompassing a wide range of severity and recovery times. These injuries can range from mild strains and sprains to severe fractures and ligament tears, with recovery periods varying from weeks to over a year.
Mental game
While bodies heal, minds can struggle. Anxiety, depression, and isolation are often part of the injury experience.
“Athletes tend to base their identity on their performance,” said Coach Vaughn, who has been coaching softball at Miami High and basketball at other schools for over 20 years. “So when that’s taken away, even temporarily, it creates a mental health crisis.”
For many athletes, the toughest part is not rehab. It is watching your teammates compete without you. Personally, I didn’t want to go to games. It made me feel invisible. I had to learn to cheer them on while silently dealing with my own disappointment. That’s where mental resilience becomes as important as physical strength.
Many athletes experience this feeling. Jose Ortiz, a junior football player at Miami High, fractured his wrist during a game and found himself spiraling. “I thought I was mentally strong, but being on the sidelines watching my team lose without me—it broke me,” Jose said. “No one really talks about the emotional side of injury. People just assume you’re fine once you’re off crutches.”
Support means everything
According to the artilce “Helping Coaches Assist Student-Athletes with their Mental Health” by Daniel W. Uszaki, many schools and athletic programs are starting to recognize the importance of mental health in the recovery process. Coaches are being trained to support injured players more holistically, checking in not just on physical recovery, but emotional wellness.
Having a strong support system is critical. Teammates, coaches, and even social media communities can play a role in helping athletes feel seen and supported.
“I made it a point to still show up to team meetings, even if I couldn’t practice,” said an anonymous senior volleyball player who had a sprained wrist. “My coach told me ‘You’re still part of this team—injured or not.’ That meant more than he probably realized.”
Sophia Lopez, a junior softball player at Miami High, was diagnosed with a concussion early in the season. “There were days I wanted to give up completely. The headaches, the light sensitivity, not being able to focus—it was miserable,” she said. “But my teammates kept texting me, keeping me in the loop. That made all the difference.”
The Return
For many athletes, returning to their sport is a milestone, the final goal, but they often come back with a different mindset. The road to recovery isn’t just about getting back on the field.
“I used to take it all for granted,” said senior Sinayel Prieto who is now cleared to dance again with Color Guard. “Now I’m grateful for every move.”
“I learned patience,” Sophia said. “I learned to listen to my body and respect it. I’m not just a player—I’m a person, too.”
