Campbell Downing learned two things during her rehabilitation from a knee injury. She learned how much she missed her teammates and playing the game of softball and she also learned what career path she is interested in pursuing.
Downing, an infielder and outfielder for Atlanta Vipers 09 Klein, suffered a knee injury during a collision at home plate. She suffered an ACL tear and a medial meniscus bucket-handle tear.
What followed was a 10-month rehabilitation process.
But during her recovery she remained close to her teammates by attending practices and games.
Her recovery process was grueling and took patience and determination.
“I had to not only work out physically but mentally. I had to remember there was an end to the road and I actually achieved this goal.”
Upon her return to the game, Downing recorded a single to centerfield in her first at-bat since the injury. Being back on the field in and of itself, was a victory.
Downing also gained an appreciation for the men and women who aided her on the road to recovery.
“After all this, I realized that I really loved the field of physical therapy. It made me want to be a P.T. in my career. Not only that but I never used to work out or want to work out and now I’m in the gym 5 days a week to make sure I am in shape, and I love it.”
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Name: Campbell Downing
Graduation Class: 2028
Positions: First base, catcher, outfield
Team Name: Atlanta Vipers 09 Klein
Coach Name: Kris Klein
What was the Biggest Challenge You Faced?
I think the biggest challenge I faced was watching my teammates on the field. Most people would say it’s the workouts or the pain, I could get through that just fine. It was watching all my friends play the sport I love while I can barely walk.
What Did You Learn About Yourself?
I learned mostly how to overcome battles. This was such a tedious rehab that I couldn’t rush or make time go faster and I had to let my body heal. I always wanted to move on to the next thing and I realized things take time. Things don’t just happen in a few weeks of therapy sessions. They need longer than that and it doesn’t happen instantly because I have never been through such a bad injury before.
Who Were Your Biggest Supporters During Your Rehabilitation?
I feel my biggest supporters were my dad and mom obviously and my coaches, teammates, therapy workers, and most of all God.
What is Your Advice to Players Who Get Injured?
The biggest takeaway I can give to people is to not rush the therapy. Don’t let it consume your mind and have fun. I know it seems hard but having fun and being positive through your failures. This is better than being negative. I failed the Isokinetic test that I needed to pass to be cleared at least 10 times. I was nowhere near my goal and there was so much pain and uncertainty. Staying positive and trying to have fun either with your physical therapist at rehab or at the games cheering on your teammates is what drove me to return to the sport that I love.
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