The past year and a half has been an absolute whirlwind of emotion. On February 4, 2020, I underwent major knee surgery with Dr. Lyle Cain due to the development of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee, a disorder where fragments of bone or cartilage come loose and float around in the knee joint.
I was told "we don't know the extent of the damage yet, and there is no guarantee that you will be able to play at the level you have been playing." Initially, that news was absolutely devastating; however, I took it in stride and decided I would do whatever it took.
Dr. Cain did a remarkable job with my surgery and the outcome was the best, possible scenario. The physical therapy staff at Keller Rehab in Sheffield pushed my rehab to the max. The amount of rehab work we put in for me to be able to do what I love was unbelievable.
I was fully released on opening day of my sophomore baseball season, two full weeks ahead of schedule. However, on June 18, 2020 I was once again sidelined with another, extensive surgery on my other knee.
With my junior year on the line, Dr. Cain once again performed my surgery, and with the help of my PT's and PTA's at Keller Rehab, I came back stronger than ever. Following my surgeries, I endured Covid, a mystery illness with fevers as high as 106, quarantines, and virtual school.
On March 5, 2021, barely a year since my journey began, all of this hard work will finally paid off as I, along with 14 of my Belgreen High School brothers, stepped out on the court one more time and battled to bring home the coveted AHSAA 1A Blue Map. Unfortunately, our quest for a state championship fell short, but I could not be any prouder of the team and all that we accomplished on and off the court.
Fortunately, in November, 2021 I signed a full scholarship to run cross country with Calhoun Community College. I owe the majority of my success to the skill and compassion of Dr. Cain and his team at Andrews Sports Medicine.