When getting involved in a sport it is pretty clear that there is a good chance an athlete could injure themself. Not only do these injuries affect one physically but mentally as well.
The way the athlete handles the situation is a huge factor of how one thinks mentally.
An injury can take a toll on a player’s body in many different ways.
Mentally, it can be very difficult because they put so much effort into preparing for their respective seasons and just like that it could be over.
All the hard work that one puts in seems like it was for nothing and it is extremely hard not to think that way.
No longer are they that voice on the field or on the court but as a teammate they can continue to be a voice for their team on the sidelines.
Someone like Sam Penecale, sophomore, soccer player, has been prone to injuries but that has not stopped her from being positive.
“You have to find the light at the end of the tunnel,” Penecale said. “Whenever you have an injury there always comes a time when you make a full recovery. That’s the most important thing to keep in mind.”
Penecale still is not sure how long it will take her to fully recover but she is not focused on that.
“Now I’m just focused on next year and what I have to do to get back to being 100 percent,” Penecale said.
Trying to figure out the “what ifs” or thinking of ways that you would have done it differently will not help one physically or mentally when trying to recover.
No matter what, there will always be someone who has or is currently going through an injury.
Going to others for advice or just to vent is a great way to help one mentally.
“I have a friend who tore his ACL and talking to him really helps keep me positive because I can see how he recovered and see where he is now,” Penecale. said
Having someone that can relate to what one may be going through will help no matter what because they have gone through it too. Those types of people are what help you see the light at the end of the tunnel.
The most important thing to remember while gettingwhen you are going through an injury is that one will recover from it,.The pain is only temporary.
“Remain focused on your goal,” Penecale said.
