Aashna Malpani 

English 206
Prof. J. Langolis 

February 13th, 2015
Will a major basketball injury stop Deanna Johnson?
It’s said that everyone has a story and that’s true— but the story of Deanna Johnson stands as one of the simplest yet inspiring ones that shine through the pool. Originally from
Corona, she is currently a junior here, at Loyola Marymount University. Not only is she a
Basketball player but also a Sociology major. This can not an easy job, especially because of an injury—a torn ligament in the knee, that took place on the 20th of December, 2014. It’s almost impossible to believe that this her first ever injury, as Deanna is handling this predicament with exemplary patience and maturity— standing as a role model for fellow athletes.
It was in Gersten on Saturday, December 20th, 2014, during a game versus the
University of Hawai, that Deanna tore her ACL—Anterior Cruciate Ligament, a ligament in the knee. The home team was down by just 2 points and there was 1 minute remaining in the game.
Trying to seize an opportunity Deanna aimed for a fast-break layup. Almost instantly, her knee gave out—“I felt and heard a pop in my knee and instantly fell to the floor crying and in the worst pain I have ever felt in my life. It was one of the scariest and most painful things that I have ever experienced.” 

This sort of injury usually takes up to 6-9 months of recovery and rehab. The patient has to go through weeks and weeks of therapy and even after that, the process continues as tedious and tiring. The first week stood as the worst, as she could barely walk. The following weeks

were spent with crutches and then a knee brace. She has recently crossed the third stage and is now walking without any physical aid. “I just miss the energy and adrenaline”, she reminisces. 

Basketball seems to be Deanna’s safe haven. Talking about team spirit, her coach and teammates really makes one realize how closely