The University of Akron Athletics
Akron to Host ?Keep Your Head in The Game? Fundraiser
November 19 | Women's Basketball
UA Athletics Communications
When a player sustains a serious injury, it is often times hard for them to bounce back and become the player they once were. That was the scenario that senior forward Kara Murphy of The University of Akron's women's basketball team faced.
In a playoff game during Murphy's senior year of high school at
Akron's St. Vincent-St. Mary High, she was knocked to the ground
while attempting a layup. Before she could get back on her feet,
another player landed on her, causing Murphy's head to strike the
floor.
Falling in and out of consciousness, she was rushed to Akron
Children's Hospital, where she was diagnosed with a spinal cord
concussion as well as a grade 3 concussion.
Over the next few weeks Murphy struggled to walk, creating doubt as to whether she would be able to return to the game of basketball. However, over the next few months, she worked with specialists on Akron Children's Hospital Head Injury Team. A neurologist helped with Murphy's headaches and mood swings, while a neuropsychologist helped with her memory problems and need for more sleep.
Sports medicine physicians, physical therapists and athletic trainers made sure Murphy could return to the court safely and gradually. She was eventually able to return to the court and has started in every game at the collegiate level for the Zips.
"I have to give credit to my family and friends, the coaching staff at Akron and the community," Murphy said. "I had so much support. I owe it all to God. He's the one that got me back. It took hard work and patience."
Murphy has been an All-Mid-American Conference selection each of the last three seasons, including earning first-team honors in 2008-09, and is on track to become the program's all-time leading scorer. Last season, she helped the Zips in achieving the most wins in program history.
"She shows so much resilience," Akron head coach Jodi Kest said. "With what happened to her in high school, most people wouldn't be playing basketball right now, so not only did she come back to play basketball, she came back as an all-conference player and that shows a lot about her and what she's about."
Kest knows that Murphy is a team leader and that she truly cares more about the team than her individual statistics.
"All Kara thinks about wanting to do is win," Kest said. "She would be happier if we won the game and she scored five points than if she scored 30 and we lost."
Murphy wants to give back to her community by hosting an event as part of the team's game on Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. ET against Niagara at Rhodes Arena, called "Keep Your Head in The Game."
The event will raise awareness about concussions and all proceeds will benefit the Akron Children's Hospital Head Injury Program.
The event will include a half time video about concussion awareness. In addition, sports medicine physicians will quiz fans about concussion myths during timeouts throughout the game. Murphy and her teammates will be available for autographs following the game.
"Children's Hospital took care of me when I went through it," Murphy said. "I know there are so many kids that go through it and don't have any support. I just wanted to give back to the community that helped me so much."
