The Nexus

Reaching into her bag before field hockey practice, Michelle Cook (12) takes out three containers of prescribed medication. One is full of Aleve, one is Tylenol and the other is Advil.

The medication keeps her body from hurting more than she can handle. But most importantly, it keeps her on the field.

After making it to field hockey CIF’s her freshman and sophomore years, Cook found a love for field hockey, but it would soon be tested.

“I remember two years ago at softball practice I was running around the bases when a dad [asked] me ‘Why are you making that face,’” Cook said. “I was cringing in pain and I didn’t even notice because my adrenaline was going.”

Doctors sent Cook to physical therapy, not knowing what was the problem but the pain returned. Because it was a reoccurring problem, Cook’s doctor decided that the best course of action was to take X-rays. From there, Cook heard something she never expected.

“I don’t know how it happened, but there were three fractures in my lower lumbar,” Cook said. “[The doctor told me] I had to wear a brace for three to six months and I was out for my junior year.”

Eventually, Cook was diagnosed with Spondylolisthesis, meaning that parts of Cook’s spine are slowly moving forward.However, Cook’s back wasn’t her only problem. During her sophomore year, Cook was hit with a field hockey stick in her arm resulting in severe nerve damage. Cook was unable to feel her right hand for about six months.Cook became a regular at the doctor’s office and her physical therapist’s. Before long, the frequent doctors appointments affected Cook’s schoolwork.

“My grades started going down very quickly because most of my classes were graded on participation,” Cook said. “I was trying my best to make it up, but it just wasn’t working out.”

Due to her grades, Cook was faced with three options; go to Abraxas, retake all of her classes or go to New Directions. Cook chose New Directions. But she was still out of field hockey for her junior season. Trying to keep her attitude positive, Cook went to games and sat on the sidelines or kept score. But it was difficult to remain happy.

“I remember seeing all my friends playing and it just broke my heart because I wasn’t out there playing with them,” Cook said.

However, Cook knew she would play whether she was healed or not. Before her senior year she had a decision to make.

“My brother told me these words,” Cook said “[He said] ‘It sounds like you really love the sport but you’re going to have to risk paying for it. Are you willing to risk it for the love?’”

She was willing to risk it. Although her back wasn’t completely healed, with the okay from her doctor Cook began to train. She figured out a plan with her counselor, and it didn’t matter that she didn’t go to Westview anymore. Cook’s hard work paid off when she successfully made it back on Westview’s varsity team as a goalie, but is still afraid of reinjuring her spine.

“I’m really scared that I will be taken out on a gurney,” Cook said. “My spine could slip off one of my vertebras and would essentially be unprotected.”

This is something she knew she would risk so she tries to focus on the good things. As for field hockey, she has one thing to say about being back.

“I love it,” Cook said. “I don’t know how else to describe it, I just love it.”