Athlete Interview: Kaarthiga Selvakumarran
ACL tears are common among high school athletes, but that doesn’t make it any less crushing. Kaarthiga Selvakkumaran suffered a partial ACL tear right before her freshman year of high school, a disheartening injury to work with during tryouts for the tennis team. In this interview, she delves into the specifics.
How did you get your injury and what did it feel like?
My injury, unlike many sport-related injuries, was not by playing my sport (tennis) but by skiing. I was going down black diamond [one of the most difficult slopes] and crashed. At first, I couldn't feel it due to the cold but it got worse in the following weeks and months.
What was your reaction to being told that you tore your ACL?
It was really difficult for me to get an MRI, so that was very frustrating as it took months before I was diagnosed. I was surprised, but hopeful because the doctors said that it wasn't a complete tear. I was also really worried because a few months after would be tennis tryouts, which I knew was going to be extremely competitive.
What type of rehab did you do? What was it like?
My orthopedic [physician] gave me the option of getting surgery (since you need your ACL for pivoting in tennis) or doing physical therapy and seeing if I need surgery afterward. I didn't want to go through surgery (and the after-effects) so I did physical therapy and worked hard so that I would be cleared in time for tryouts. I was cleared just 2 weeks before tryouts, where I worked extremely hard to get into the team (competing with 15-20 other people to get into a D1 tennis team with very few spots), and I got on. A year later, I made it onto Varsity and I hope to play as a singles starter next year.
How did the ACL tear after your mentality?
It made me doubt my skills and whether I even deserved to be on the team. However, I persevered despite feeling a constant underlying fear of worsening the tear (since it's still not completely healed) and taking the necessary steps to ensure my safety.
What advice would you give to someone going through a major injury?
Going through a major injury is difficult and requires patience, endurance, and knowing your limits. It's important to have a good support system around you, but also within yourself, because your body will not heal properly unless your mind can guide it.
Despite her injury, Kaarthiga has continued to excel in tennis. This past sophomore year season she has made strides in recovery and is now a varsity member of her high school’s tennis team. We wish Kaarthiga the best of luck in whatever endeavor she chooses to pursue!
