ATHLETE INTERVIEWS

Issiah Evans

Issiah Evans tore his ACL at the young age of 9, and battled through the lengthy recovery. Passionate about football and basketball, Issiah was motivated to get back onto the playing field. His determination and hard work paid off, as he made an extraordinary comeback.

1) Can you share your ACL story?

I messed up my knee when I was 9 in a football game. Someone was grabbing on my legs then his teammate came behind me and pushed me. I got back up and finished the game out. Then when I went home it felt fine until the next morning I tried to get out of my bed and couldn’t walk . I went to the doctors and they told me I sprained my knee. Then a year later I tore my ACL when I was 10. It was the first game of the basketball season. I tried to jump up for a rebound then my knee went out on me. I fell and I tried to stand back up but I couldn’t. I was in so much pain.

2) What was the hardest part of the experience?

The hardest part of my experience is knowing I couldn’t come back and play that year. It was also hard watching my friends play basketball and other sports while I couldn’t do anything. There were times when I just wanted to quit every time I would try to do something . I was falling apart, and then eventually stopped coming to any sport events.

3) How did you stay motivated throughout the process?

I knew that I would be able to play sports again but I had to work to get back to it. I just wanted to get back in my sports the next season.

4) What tips/advice would you share with other athletes on the road to recovery?

Don’t give it up even when it gets rough

5) Do you think these experiences have changed you as a person?

Yes, it makes me think I can get through anything.

Read about Issiah's ACL injury experience told from the perspective of his mother