By DOUG FEINBERGThe Related Press
NEW YORK — Cameron Brink can see the sunshine on the finish of the tunnel.
She’s been out for 13 months after tearing the ACL in her left knee in a sport at Connecticut in June final season.
Now she’s been cleared to play once more and is raring to get again on the court docket along with her Los Angeles Sparks teammates.
“I feel great. I’m super thankful that the Sparks have let me take my time and really feel great coming back,” Brink stated to a couple reporters after shootaround Saturday. “I’m excited to be out there with my teammates.”
The previous Stanford star has been working towards taking part in in a sport. After the Sparks completed their pregame shootaround, Brink went to the Barclays Middle apply court docket and received in one other 20-minute exercise.
“I’ve put in a lot of hard work. I feel like what people usually see is me living my life normally, but people don’t see the hours and hours that I put in the gym with my trainers, amazing training staff,” she stated. “I’ve been working my (behind) off, so I definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel for sure.”
Coach Lynne Roberts stated that Brink gained’t play in opposition to the Liberty on Saturday evening, however expects the 6-foot-4 ahead again quickly. Three of their subsequent 4 video games are at house after Saturday.
“It’s hard to come in midseason, and then you add the mental aspect that every athlete struggles with being out that long,” Roberts stated.
Brink’s been across the group as a lot as she may over the previous yr and likewise discovered methods to maintain herself busy throughout the lengthy rehab course of, beginning a podcast and graduating from Stanford.
“It’s really tough mental, waking up every day and watching your team from the sideline cheering everyone on. I love cheering on my teammates, but there comes a point where I want to be out there too,” Brink stated. “So, I’m just really happy to be at that point and just thankful for everyone along the way.”
Brink stated that it’s been powerful throughout the lengthy restoration interval. She is aware of it can take time to get again to the place she was earlier than she received injured. Earlier than she received damage, Brink, the No. 2 total decide within the 2024 WNBA draft, was averaging 7.5 factors, 5.3 rebounds and a pair of.3 blocks.
“It’s a little nerve-wracking for sure., I’m just really going to try to be patient with myself because I’m definitely not where I was last year,” she stated. “It’s still a work in progress, but yeah, just thankful for the fans. Really excited to be able to just go out there and do what I love.”
Initially Printed: July 26, 2025 at 6:45 PM PDT
