At a young age of 7 years old, Lena Phitsanoukanh had began her hobby of playing volleyball and has been playing for around ten years.

Lena first realized she had passion for volleyball when she started going to volleyball clinics/camps and started playing JO’s (club volleyball). She mentions “I knew that this was something I’m somewhat good at and should keep ahold of it.”

On September 28th, 2017, Junior at North high and varsity volleyball outside/right side hitter, Lena Phitsanoukanh, had a terrible accident happen to her at a home gave vs. Hastings.

According to Lena’s remembrance of that night and how her injury occurred, it was during warm ups when she was going up to hit a ball and happened to land on her coaches foot, resulting in the breaking of two different leg bones; the tibia and fibula.

Immediately the next day she had been given surgery. They placed two screws above the knee and two screws towards the ankle along with a metal permanent rod inside of the tibia.

Soon enough after 4 and a half months of waiting, Lena began practicing on February 17th, but she is still limited on what she can do, like jumping and running.

Lena began physical therapy around January 12th and is still attending physical therapy once a week as of today. It took about two weeks for Lena to start going back to school, but still on crutches.

I asked Lena what she enjoys most about volleyball- “I enjoy being on and off the court finding new ways to have teamwork and support other players that are on or off the court.”

“ Also cheering is what I enjoy even when I’m off the court because at that point it feels like no one can stop us.”

At the start of her volleyball career she wanted to and planned to attend a college to continue playing volleyball, but over time and growing up and progressing she has decided that next season will be her last of playing volleyball at the competitive level.

Despite her injury, Lena is still making her way up to become the athlete that she once was, she states “I will most likely be ready for my senior year hitting.”

Athletic injuries shouldn’t scare an athlete. They should become more determined to do their best and get back on their feet and continue the sport they love. Recovery takes time and patience but it will all be worth it in the end.