When Ava Regier tore her ACL, she thought her dreams of playing professional basketball were over.
The Grade 12 student at George McDougall turned her attention to coaching while she recovered — a nearly year-long process. She found comfort in still having a connection to the sport she loves.
“I was playing the best basketball of my life and then this happened, so it’s been an emotional roller-coaster, but I think it’s mentally making me stronger,” Regier says.
“I think watching basketball and sharing my knowledge of what I know has really helped me stay motivated for how I can be when I recover.”
Regier had been playing basketball for seven years before her injury. She hopes to recover by September, in time for the next season at the post-secondary level.
Basketball coach and nominator Jessica Bower says Regier is a natural leader amongst her peers.
“All of her accolades are important but pale in comparison to how she has risen above her current situation.… A lesser person would have let it take her down,” says Bower.
“She is using her basketball knowledge and leadership skills to better her team. She has been integral to our team’s positive attitude.”