Being sidelined due to an injury or coach's decision is an obstacle for any athlete. When an athlete's role shifts, it can be difficult for them to feel that they are making an impact on their team and contributing to on-court successes. For Big 10 volleyball star Lexi Sun and u20 WNT soccer standout Allyson Sentnor, this frustrating circumstance became a reality as they experienced uncertainties on the playing field.
Coming off of a tremendous junior season with Big 10 honors, Lexi Sun endured setbacks after she was sidelined due to injury, eventually taking her out of Nebraska volleyball’s starting rotation for her senior season. Although this trial provided great obstacles and frustration, she notes that the challenges pushed her to grow in her faith as she found a new perspective.
“Looking back now I realize I was forced to live out what I always talk about, which is being more than a volleyball player. I learned to put my team first, pour into my teammates’ lives and find my identity,” Sun said.
UNC soccer star and rising sophomore, Allyson Sentnor, faced a similar setback when she suffered an ACL tear during the first exhibition game of the 2021 season. Sentnor was out for the entire fall and spring seasons recovering and rehabbing, pushing her to embrace her new role and develop as a teammate.
“It was a huge shift to go from supporting and helping my team on the field to being on the bench and my role shifting. It was challenging for sure, but I think I learned a lot on how to be a better teammate on and off the field” Sentnor said.
“Looking back now I realize I was forced to live out what I always talk about, which is being more than a volleyball player. I learned to put my team first, pour into my teammates' lives and find my identity.”
Check out these tips from Sun and Sentnor for developing as an athlete, teammate, and person while on the sidelines:
Start a victory journal: “Every time I had a small win in my recovery I would write it down and now I am able to look back at all my progress over the months” – Sentnor
Pour into your teammates: “I made it my goal to care for my teammates and love them outside of volleyball. As athletes we’re often praised as athletes only so I focused on sharing my faith and encouraging my teammates” – Sun
Provide feedback from the sidelines: “Help teammates tactically on the field and see how people are feeling through the intense and competitive season” – Sentnor
Remain present and productive: “Focus on what you can work on and continue to have a positive attitude. Take advantage of each day while also giving yourself grace and patience” – Sun
Be vulnerable: “Not being afraid to ask for help is something I learned during my process. Being vulnerable is hard but helps me a lot in the long run.” – Sentnor
Being sidelined is a difficult situation for any athlete. As Sun and Sentnor both reflect, challenges on the playing field can provide an opportunity to grow as a teammate and as a person. In the wise words of these two athletes, take baby steps, find the value in each day, and focus on being a team player amidst the adversity!
