2025 Kamdon Holverson Herriman HS

You Always Have the Choice to Get Back Up

Four years ago, my life was changed, and I had to endure many trials. However, the trials that I faced helped me grow into the person and athlete that I am. As I stepped onto the Kearns High School football field that day, little did I know that my life was about to change in ways I could never have imagined. The sun was shining, and it was very hot. The stand was filled with my family, and I was ready to give it my all. But in the blink of an eye, everything came crashing down as I felt a sharp pain shoot through my knee. The sound of a tearing ligament echoed in my ears, and I knew instantly that my ACL injury was more than just a setback; this was going to be a test of my strength, resilience, and determination.

The days that followed were filled with uncertainty, fear, and frustration. The once familiar routine of training and competing was replaced by endless hours in the doctor’s office, undergoing tests, scans, and consultations. The diagnosis and the CT scan were a torn ACL and meniscus. This is going to be a long road to recovery, and there was no guarantee of ever returning to the sport I loved. It felt like I had nothing left in me, a harsh reminder of how important our bodies can be, and how quickly our dreams can be gone so fast.

As I sat in that room surrounded by medical doctors discussing treatment options and rehabilitation plans. I refused to let this injury define me, to let my passion, my drive, and my struggles as an athlete take away all I had accomplished to be on the field every day. I turned this challenge into a learning opportunity, this setback turned into a comeback, and that I would emerge stronger, both physically and mentally, than I had ever been before.

The road to recovery was long, painful and mostly full of setbacks, and moments of doubt. There were days when I questioned whether I had what it takes to overcome this challenge, whether I had the strength to push through the pain, the frustration, and the setbacks. But with each day I watched my friends and family play the sport I love; I found an inner strength that I never knew I had. I was inspired by the support of my family, friends, and teammates, who stood by me through the hardest times of my life and moments of my journey.

Physical therapy became my new home every day instead of practice, where I fought to regain strength, mobility, and confidence in my body. The exercises were really hard, the progress was very slow, but with each day I gained a few more degrees of flexion and a few more steps without crutches.

Finally, after months of hard work, sweat, and tears, I found myself back on the field, facing my fears, my doubts, and my insecurities head-on. The familiar sights of my family filling the stands during the game surrounded me, but this time, I felt a newfound sense of gratitude, of resilience, and happy to be back. I may have been scarred by my injury, but I was also strengthened by it. I may have stumbled along the way, but I had also learned to rise, to adapt, and to grow.

This was one of the most important, defining, and tragic things I experienced. It reminded me that setbacks are a part of everyone’s life. It showed me that no matter how many times life knocks you down, you always have the choice to get back up.Playing Football and my knee injuries will always be a part of my life. I love the game of football, the brotherhood, the work ethic, and determination I gained by playing the game and enduring two knee injuries. As I graduate and move onto college, I have received an offer at Southern Virginia University to play football. I look forward to playing at the next level and have decided to study Sports Medicine. I want to take what I have learned on the field and in the trainers office and help to improve the lives of others as they experience trials in their athletic careers.