While Some players don’t have to focus as much on protecting themselves, certain injuries pose more of a threat than others. Injuries to the head, such as concussions, are extremely dangerous injuries that are considered “accumulating” injuries in a sense. This simply means that an injury like a concussion leaves a more significant lasting effect on what has been damaged, your brain. When you are concussed multiple times, it’s not like re-pulling a muscle, the symptoms caused by this become more and more apparent and leave further damage on your brain with each one.

“My concussion was disappointing because it caused me to miss district playoffs. Sitting on the sideline was devastating but I still cheered them on,” Amari Bonham said.

While your safety does seem like a priority that should come as second nature, some of these injuries are drastic and unpreventable. Although, there are indeed many ways to stop or limit the effects of these injuries while playing your sport. For example, products such as Q-Collars, Guardian Caps, and KT Tape, can pose as useful items to help prevent concussions and muscle strains. This along with regular therapy on your body such as stretching and exercise will make it much easier to stay healthy.

“After my injury, I had to wear braces while playing. At first it was weird and took time to get used to and feel as if it didn’t affect my play but just gave me more protection,” said Julian Merritt.

There is an argument to be made that this injury-preventing equipment should be made accessible to student athletes through the school system and the budget provided to sports teams. By the same token however, there is a case to be made that they are unnecessary and not as truly effective as they claim to be.

“More research is needed to find out if these items truly prevent injury. Sometimes it is psychosomatic; meaning its benefits come from whether or not the user truly believes it is or isn’t working,” Coach James Mercer said.

Aside from the physical discrepancies of injuries, it is easy to see the mental aspect of an injury also posing a threat to the wellbeing of an athlete. When met with a roadblock preventing you from doing something you love, your emotions can pile up and be expelled in potentially unhealthy ways. On the other hand, you can be provided with new viewpoints and ways to live outside of sports and your life as an athlete can be modified while you learn how to live and express yourself in other healthy ways.

“I feel my past injuries have affected my mental health in positive ways, giving me a new perspective on sports and overall life,” Julian Merritt said.

While there are multitude injuries and means to heal or prevent them, there are just as many if not more emotional aspects regarding how athletes deal with them. While it is extremely important to put your health first, it is even more important to enjoy your time as you play and still give 100% while protecting yourself.