Expert: Tom Kovic - 6/15/2008

Question
Hello my name is erika and i have been playing basketball all my life. i am 16 years old and i have already torn my ACL two times. i have always hoped to go to college and play. however i dont think any college will allow me to play on a team. do you think colleges won't care and will allow me to play? or will my basketball career end  after high school?

Answer
Hi Erika,

Your question is a very good one and I will provide you with my "gut" response as a former college coach.

Sport provides a tremendous arena for athletes to excel in their area of expertise, while fostering life skills such as courage, persistence and perseverance. Injury is inherent in sport participation and it presents itself on many levels and degrees.

An ACL injury is considered a "high degree" injury by most college coaches and two ACL injuries, especially to the same knee, will most times make most coaches hesitant about perusing that recruit.

But do not give up hope. If you are willing to make the effort to rise above your injury and do everything you can to rehabilitate your knee back to near 100% health, you will not only give yourself the best chance at recovering strongly and playing at the top of your game, you will grow tremendous respect from the college coaches in your ability to overcome great personal odds.

I believe in my heart that the level of integrity today's young athletes are willing to rise to will have a direct impact on the level of support college coaches are willing to offer in the college recruiting process.

Good luck Erika and don't ever lose sight of your dreams.

Respectfully submitted,


Tom Kovic
Victory Collegiate Consulting