To the injured player,

I know how you feel. You are coming off of an injury and it may be difficult, mentally and physically and I understand. I am coming off of an injury too. I have struggled mentally to trust the process and my body. I have also struggled physically. My muscle are weaker now and I have to work hard to get back to where I was before my injury. It has been a long road, and it has not been easy.

As an athlete, now is the time when you need to work really hard to get back to 100 percent. It is not going to be easy. You are going to spend a lot of time at physical therapy and it may suck. You need to focus and work hard while you are there. Trust your physical therapists. They are smart and good at their jobs. They want what is best for you and may go above and beyond to help you. You just have to trust them and you have to trust the process.

You will also have to work hard outside of physical therapy. You'll have to spend a lot of time at the gym. Do what you can to strength your weaknesses. This will be hard mentally, but you have to get yourself into the habit of working out. When you are at the gym you need to take it seriously and work hard.

I have a bad habit of taking my time when working out. Just go in and get it done. Do not take your time. Work hard and sweat a lot. You should be sore the next day. Also, do not be afraid of overdoing it. You won't. However, you will have to work super hard to gain your muscle and strength back.

Most importantly, you're the one that has to stay positive. Recovery is not easy, but it is not impossible. It is possible for you to return to your sport and do what you love. Trust yourself, the process, and those trying to help you. It will be OK.

Good luck. Keep your head up.

Sincerely,

Another Injured Athlete