Conditions + Treatments
ACL Injury/Reconstruction
Meniscus Tear
My name is Kennedy Childers, I’m 16 years old and I’m from Tuscaloosa, AL and I attend Bessemer Academy.
I’ve played softball since I could put one foot I front of the other and I’ve also played volleyball a sum of 5 years throughout middle and high school. I’ve played competitive Class A travel ball for the last 6 years as a D1 recruit in the class of 2026 just waiting for September first of my junior year. If you know softball you know college coaches have to wait until September first to reach out to recruits.
With that, my injury started with a harmless powder-puff football game for homecoming week at school. I was making a jumping catch and while in the air, another girl accidentally knocked me off balance. When I landed my knee popped twice and fell out from under me.
As an athlete knowing I’ve had small injuries before I pushed the thought of injury away and kept playing. Over the next 3 days I went to school, played volleyball and even 2 full softball games that weekend before I accepted the fact that something was wrong.
I went and saw the tournament athletic trainer that evening and after being examined he emphasized I needed an MRI for a possible meniscus tear. I went in for the MRI in complete denial. Results came back as a full ACL tear and 3 meniscus tears. I was in shambles. I felt helpless, defeated and confident that my career was over.
Two weeks after the MRI results I visited Dr. Christopher Garrett at Andrews Sports Medicine to discuss surgery. I remember asking him to recheck my knee convinced they misread the MRI.
Fast forward to surgery day, I was super nervous as anyone would be. Dr Garrett reassured me but prepared me for the road I had ahead. I came out of surgery and realized the games had only began.
Over the next 2 weeks I relearned to walk, go upstairs and other basic day to day tasks. I went back for my two-week post-op with Dr. Garrett and for the first time since my MRI results I had hope. He told me I could possibly be back in 6 to 7 months with a lot of extremely hard work.
I immediately set a goal. My goal was to get an at bat at my school softball’s state tournament just 6 months, 1 week and 1 day after my surgery. ACL recovery averages 9-12 months to be fully cleared and released back into live sports. I knew I wasn’t average and 9 months was not an option for me.
For the next 5 months I worked every day, physical therapy, weight lifting, running and so much more getting ready for my first Biodex test just 3 weeks out from the state tournament. I was confident going into my first Biodex that I had done all could do to prepare and if I failed it would be because I wasn’t ready. I failed. Rescheduling my next Biodex the earliest they would let me retake it was a week after state. I was devastated that I couldn’t meet my goal I had set.
Apparently God knew way more than I did and planned everything perfect, my school exams were that week and I couldn’t miss. I called Dr. Garret and they were able to reschedule my second Biodex to the morning of the state tournament. I can confidently say the next 3 weeks I lived in the gym getting stronger determined to pass just enough to get that at bat at state.
The day came and I went into the test just as confident as the first time. Dr. Garrett came in and fully cleared me just 6 months, 1 week, and 1 day after surgery. Now 9 months cleared, I feel better than ever. I helped my school team earn 2nd place in the state. I’ve committed D1, and I’ve just recently been a part of a national championship winning team.
I can’t thank Andrews Sports Medicine, Dr. Christopher Garrett, and the rest of the surgical team enough for fixing me up, encouraging me and getting me back on the field doing what I love.
