<p>Hey everyone! Here's a little background before I ask a few question...</p>
<p>I have a spinal condition called scoliosis, and it got bad enough to where I needed to go in for surgery and have it fused straight with metal rods. Before the surgery, I was a competitive volleyball player and threw out my back during a game. It hurt, but I still played through it. It definitely changed my game though. Then, I got the surgery a few months later. I missed my first month of high school. Now, its been about 10 months since surgery, and my spine has healed but that place where I threw out my back makes it impossible to play. :/ </p>
<p>I am an athlete, so it SUCKS that I can't play. I've tried other sports while recovering but almost every sport hurts my back. I want to apply to some "top-notch" schools, so I'm worried they'll view me as someone who just does bookwork all day, when I really have a passion for sports! (and even used to have talent :/). Is there anything I can do that will show schools that I am still dedicated to sports? Do you know of any sport that doesn't involve heavy lifting , twisting, or swinging that I could try??? Probably not :/ But if anyone has advice or encouragement, I'd appreciate it.</p>
<p>I don’t know the details of your condition, but if ‘lifting, twisting and swinging’ are your problems, then you could try cycling. You stay in a much more stationary position than in almost any other sport. Saying this, staying in the same position leaning over for such long periods of time gives everyone some back pain from time to time, so maybe it wouldn’t work.</p>
<p>Volunteer as a coach for youth volleyball, get involved in something to promote safety while playing sports, show that you’re still passionate about volleyball, but make it clear on your app that you were unable to play for medical reasons</p>
<p>You know, your college application essay would be the perfect place to mention this and explain it. That’s one thing colleges are very good at understanding. I hope your condition gets better!!!</p>
<p>Thanks so much everybody!
@UKgirl23- I’ved biked a few times since surgery, and it actually didn’t hurt that bad come to think of it. I’ll do that more often.
@jaguar- Such a good idea!!! Before surgery, I was actually was offered an unofficial position as the asst. volleyball coach at my old middle school. I helped out a few times this year. The coach likes me a lot, and he’d probably let me do that next year too if i ask. Thanks!
@julieannab- You’re so sweet. Thanks! :)</p>
<p>It seems that swimming is usually less affected by injuries. You could try that! Many leadership positions may require less physical labor. And that would look great on apps. Best of luck; I know how bad back pain can be but it will get better!</p>
<p>I think basically you should decide whether the only reason you want to do sport is for the college apps, if it is then I would get involved in any coahing/leadership/volunteering/organising you can instead of hurting your back trying to get involved in something you don’t want to do.</p>