4 days ago
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Jan. 7—CARRINGTON, N.D. — It did not take Josie Kollman very long to figure out something was wrong on Sept. 9.
While playing in a volleyball match, Kollman, a sophomore at Carrington High School, sustained a ruptured ACL, a partially torn MCL, tears in the medial and lateral meniscus and a small fracture on the bottom of her femur.
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"I immediately knew it wasn't good," Kollman said of what she was feeling as she was being helped to the sidelines. "The feeling was very uncomfortable and nothing I've ever felt before. Although nothing was determined until later, my head went straight to basketball. The first thing I said to my mom was, 'What about basketball?' After we got my MRI results back and met with a surgeon, it was confirmed I would be out for the season."
Kollman had surgery in October and has been focusing on physical therapy since.
"With my injury I was non-weight bearing for the first four weeks and the next steps were to focus on range of motion," Kollman said. "I am now working on my range of motion while also strengthening. I have been doing physical therapy with Brady Smith at Summit Physical Therapy and he is going to get me back on the court as soon as possible while allowing for the proper healing process."
Kollman will not be playing at all for the Carrington girl's basketball team this season but her inability to play this season has not lessened Kollman's affection for the game or her teammates. From the sidelines, Kollman has watched her team amass a 1-1 record in Division A's Region 2 and an overall record of 4-3.
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"These girls are like family to me and have been by my side through it all," Kollman said. "I want to support them the whole way. It can definitely be a challenge sitting on the sidelines but also so rewarding. I have learned so much from watching this team play and grow. I cannot wait to be back out on the court with these girls."
Kollman is a long time member of Carrington's basketball program. The sophomore started playing in official basketball tournaments in her third grade year but played with her older sisters every opportunity she had.
"I grew up watching my older sisters play and I quickly realized how badly I wanted to play as well," Kollman said. "Not long after my uncle started coaching a travel team for my cousin, Harper, and I is when I found a love for the sport. I have stuck with this sport because it brings me joy and peace but has also allowed me to create some of the best memories and relationships. Playing basketball has always been a safe place for me and one of the things I love most."
As a freshman, Kollman played in 11 of Carrington's games. The Cardinals were +27 when she was on the court.
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Now, instead of being a guard for her team, Kollman said her role on the team is to lead from the sidelines and work hard at her recovery.
"I can achieve this by encouraging my teammates, helping each of them persevere, being consistent with my physical therapy and being their biggest supporter," Kollman said. "I don't get to have a role on the court anymore but I am here to support them in any way I can."
While the injury to Kollman's knee is the most significant of her career, the sophomore is looking — and finding — the silver lining.
"Being injured has been one of the hardest things I've been through but I have had the best support system," Kollman said. " ... I believe this injury will better me in many ways. It has helped me to slow down and never take anything for granted. I have been able to really observe and understand a lot more on and off the court. ... I am forever grateful to have so many people surrounding me. I believe this injury is only a small setback and a way for me to better myself."
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