Why This WNBA Star Is Grateful To God for Her Injury

By Movieguide® Contributor

Las Vegas Aces guard, Kelsey Plum, sat down to discuss the importance of her mental health and that she is grateful she tore her achilles.

“We Need to Talk” posted a video of Plum on their Instagram and wrote, “‘By the grace of God I tore my achilles.’ Kelsey Plum on her mental health and how injury was the best thing for her mental health and her career. #WNBA #sports #mentalhealth #womenssports #sportsreels #basketball #womensbasketball”

“I knew me when I was struggling with mental health,” Plum began. “April 13, 2017 was one of the toughest days of my life.”

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The San Antonio Stars selected Kelsey Plum as the first pick in the WNBA draft.

“I get drafted number 1. Everyone else went out to party, I acted like I was going, forgot my wallet ‘on purpose’ but decided to go to bed. I was just in a really low point. I felt like I didn’t really have a purpose and I just felt so empty, so unfulfilled.”

But then everything changed for Plum, but not in the way that many would have expected.

“But by the grace of God I tore my Achilles. My life, I don’t like how it is. Let’s change it. And so it was just a complete spiritual, physical, and emotional revamp. Changed my perspective, Changed how I live on a day-to-day. Still to this day I think it was the best thing for my career. I try to tell kids now, all these things are external fulfillment but if you’re not okay inside it will never be enough.

Ever since her injury, Plum has put God first on and off the court, as she recently married New York Giants tight end Darren Waller. Who has had his own struggle with mental health as he has fought his way through addiction.

Plum writes in her Instagram bio, “Believer ??”

She even recently posted a photo as she walked out of the Las Vegas Aces tunnel. She wrote, Glory to God, see y’all in Vegas ??? #allstar”

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A post shared by Kelsey Plum (@kelseyplum10)

Mental health in every day life can make a huge impact to someone’s quality of life. That is even greater when it comes to athletes.

Recognizing the significance of mental health in sports, many organizations and athletes are working to reduce stigma and provide resources and support. Sports teams and governing bodies are implementing mental health programs, offering counseling services, and raising awareness about the importance of mental well-being.

Athletes are encouraged to seek professional help when needed, practice self-care, maintain a healthy support system, and engage in stress management techniques. Coaches, teammates, and sports organizations play a vital role in creating a supportive and understanding environment that prioritizes the mental health of athletes.