A year ago, a split second on a netball court changed the rhythm of Vic's life. After months of rehabilitation, surgery and plenty of resistance band exercises, she's finally getting closer to a return to the court.

Back in January, our Sport and Faith coach Vic shared the story of her ACL injury and the challenges of being away from sport. Now, she's reflecting on three things the experience has taught her.

Netball isn't who I am

"Playing netball has been a huge part of my life for the last seven years. When I suddenly couldn't play, I realised just how much I'd tied my identity and sense of value to being a netball player.

Over time, with a combination of rehab, stubbornness, supportive people and a bit of therapy, I've come to understand that I'm much more than a sport featuring seven positions, one ball and rules that still require occasional clarification from the umpire.

Netball is something I love, but it doesn't define me. I'm still me, whether I'm on court or not."

It's okay to ask for help

"I've never been a natural gym-goer. Walking into a room full of people who seemed to know exactly what they were doing often left me feeling out of place and wondering what I was doing there.

But I realised that finding the right environment and asking for help could make a huge difference to my recovery.

After a gruelling three-hour gym session involving multiple tears, I eventually found somewhere I feel safe, supported and encouraged. It's transformed the gym from somewhere I felt I had to go, to somewhere I actively choose to go.

The sessions are harder now. The weights are heavier. My muscles hurt A LOT more. But for the first time in my life, I kind of like the gym. I think?"

It's not a life sentence

"The past year has involved a lot of milestones, from learning to walk properly again to running and, most recently, returning to netball training. I'm not quite back to match play yet (just in case my physio reads this!).

There's still work to do, but I'm starting to see my ACL injury differently. It's no longer the thing that dominates every conversation or determines what I can and can't do.

I know my injury will always be part of my story, but it doesn't have to define the rest of it. I'm stronger, I've learnt a lot about myself, and I'm looking forward to getting back out on court.

An ACL injury is part of my life, not a life sentence."

At Sportily, we're proud to have coaches like Vic who bring not only their skills and experience, but also their own stories and perspectives to the people they work with. Her journey is a reminder that sport is about more than what happens on the court. It's about confidence, connection, learning and having the support to keep giving things a go.