WBB: Déjà Vu for Isaacson as Opening Day Nears
WBB: Déjà Vu for Isaacson as Opening Day Nears
Veteran forward won't let injury derail desire to be a good teammate, and to get back on the floor.
At one point or another we have all experienced Déjà Vu in life.
Utah Tech’s Emily Isaacson had that experience early in the 2023-24 season.
November 9, 2023 when the Trailblazers were hosting Jacksonville State as part of the WAC/CUSA scheduling initiative in Burns Arena,
Isaacson felt the pop…and instantly knew. Her 2023-24 season was finished.
While contesting a shot, Isaacson’s ACL gave out.
A day later, the MRI revealed the second tear of her career on the same knee that was repaired her freshman year.
“It was the same quarter, same spot on the court, and same knee as the last time which was a really weird,” Isaacson said. “Déjà Vu moment for me. Other than playing softball and volleyball in high school, it’s the longest break I’ve had since taking up the game.”
Isaacson missed a campaign where Utah Tech made history with their first win over a Power 5 opponent in Oregon during the Trailblazer classic, finished fourth in the regular season standings, and reached the WAC tournament quarterfinals.
“As I’m coming back I have a new sense of gratitude for the game,” Isaacson added. “When you’re in the grind of a season sometimes we all think ‘Oh, I have to practice today.’ But when you’re on that sideline it becomes ‘I would’ve done anything to be out there right now.’ I wouldn’t be coming back right now if I didn’t love the game like I do. It’s a huge risk, commitment, and sacrifice but I’m definitely excited to get back out there.”
The road back for anyone coming back from an ACL tear is not an easy one.
The normal timeline is about nine months, and is a slow buildup to basketball activity.
Therapists begin to work with the knee, restoring its range of motion, getting swelling under control, and taking care of the scar tissue.
Then, the weightlifting and agility workouts begin.
At five months, you can start running, and at the eight or nine-month mark, you can start sprinting and backpedaling.
At nine months basketball related activity can resume, depending on how the knee and body feel.
“It’s been tougher physically this time around,” Isaacson said. “But last time, it was definitely tougher mentally. You have to be super patient because those first two months are rough.”
When asked to offer advice, Isaacson shared, “first, it’s ok to have bad days. I’ve had plenty in this process. Also, remember your why because in the grind of rehab/physical therapy you can forget why you’re doing this. But that perspective will center you when you need it. Another piece of advice I have is to find ways to add to your team, and still be a part of it.”
Issacson’s return to basketball this season is just one part of a busy 2024 as she’s getting married late next month. As a graduate student, Isaacson is also teaching a class in the Fall term.
Ten with Isaacson:
1. Favorite off-campus dining spot in St. George? Cliffside
2. Have you mastered the art of sleeping on an airplane yet? Yep, when we go wheels up I’m out.
3. What is on your Netflix/Hulu binge watching list? The Bachelorette
4. Favorite Dessert? Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream
5. Favorite outdoor activity in St. George? Pickleball, there’s a huge scene out here and it’s ever growing.
6. Best/Worst Subjects in School? Best: Anything in Sports Management or Leadership. Worst: Chemistry
7. Favorite road trip in the WAC? Seattle
8. Dream Vacation? Iceland or Finland
9. If not basketball what sport would you have played in college? Softball, I was a shortstop back in the day.
What is one event that is on your sports fan bucket list? Either the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma or the Masters.