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We hear about the 30 pt scorers, big dunks & top recruits.
But we don’t hear about the stories from the shadows. The one’s that don’t get a lot of press, but deserve it.
The ones about players overcoming seemingly impossible odds.
This is one of those stories
(a thread)
But we don’t hear about the stories from the shadows. The one’s that don’t get a lot of press, but deserve it.
The ones about players overcoming seemingly impossible odds.
This is one of those stories
(a thread)
@marissa14kelley , a senior at Springtown HS (TX) loves this game & playing with her teammates.
But last season, after starting the year as the leading scorer averaging 10.5 ppg and 5 boards...
everything changed.
But last season, after starting the year as the leading scorer averaging 10.5 ppg and 5 boards...
everything changed.
The night before her first district game, she was involved in a serious accident.
She was riding an ATV when it flipped 3x before landing upside down, ultimately pinning her hand under the roll bar.
Immediately, she was rushed to the hospital where she spent the next 12 days.
She was riding an ATV when it flipped 3x before landing upside down, ultimately pinning her hand under the roll bar.
Immediately, she was rushed to the hospital where she spent the next 12 days.
Her injuries ranged from broken fingers to the degloving of skin off the back of her hand.
She had 7 surgeries to help repair the injuries.
She began therapy, which was frustrating because there was hardly any movement in her fingers.
She had 7 surgeries to help repair the injuries.
She began therapy, which was frustrating because there was hardly any movement in her fingers.
“The fear of now knowing whether I would ever use my hand again was overwhelming because I hadn’t ever done anything with just my left.”
Because of that, she spent last summer learning to shoot left-handed while also learning to celebrate the small stuff.
Eventually, Marissa started getting feeling & movement back in her right hand —a big win — and was eventually able to begin shooting with her right hand again.
Eventually, Marissa started getting feeling & movement back in her right hand —a big win — and was eventually able to begin shooting with her right hand again.
Slowly, Marissa worked her way back to where she was before the accident — hitting shots & leading her team.
And now this season, she's averaging 9.2 ppg, shooting an incredible 38.3% from 3 and 44.5% from the field.
And now this season, she's averaging 9.2 ppg, shooting an incredible 38.3% from 3 and 44.5% from the field.
From nearly losing a finger & full function of her hand to becoming a starter during her senior season, Marissa Kelley is a shining example of perseverance.
Someone we can all learn from & root for.
Someone we can all learn from & root for.
We hear about the 30 point scorers, big dunks & top recruits, but we often miss stories like Marissas.
The ones of athletes around the country, going up against seemingly impossible circumstances and making them possible.
The ones of athletes around the country, going up against seemingly impossible circumstances and making them possible.
Marissa says she hadn’t thought about playing college bball because she wasn’t sure she’d ever be back to where she is now.
Well Marissa, you’re back & we’re excited to see how you finish out this season & what your future holds. Thx for sharing your story & inspiring us all.
Well Marissa, you’re back & we’re excited to see how you finish out this season & what your future holds. Thx for sharing your story & inspiring us all.
