Bucknell University Athletics
Knee, Shoulder Injuries Don't Slow Bucknell's Courtney Warren
1/7/2010 7:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
Jan. 7, 2010
By Cynthia Iselin '12
Many collegiate athletes who suffer sports injuries wonder if they'll ever be able to compete in their respective sport again. Between recovery and physical therapy, it takes a lot of heart and dedication to get back to where one was pre-injury. The unfortunate reality is that many often don't.
For senior swimmer Courtney Warren, this was not even an option. Her Bucknell athletic profile is littered with accomplishments, though nowhere does it mention her two ACL knee surgeries, one being right before she came to Bucknell. On top of that, this past summer Warren found out that she not only had tendonitis but arthritis as well in her shoulder.
Warren was able to refocus her goals after her setbacks and continue to be a leader as co-captain on the Bucknell women's swimming & diving team. She is a role model to other athletes who suffer through injury tribulations. Not only was she the school-record holder and 2008 Patriot league champion in the 100-yard backstroke, but she also ranks in the top 10 in program history in the 50 free (23.36), 100 free (51.39) and 200 back (2:07.17).
I had the chance to sit down with Courtney to talk about how she was able to overcome her setback and continue to be dominant for the Bison.
Q: What were you thinking when you found out about your injuries?
I had some pretty high goals for my senior year to end on a bang so my initial reaction was very disappointed and wondering if I would still be able to have a successful season.
Q: Did you ever consider not returning to swimming after your injury?
I definitely considered it more with my knee surgeries in high school because I wasn't thinking so much about the future. But since I've been here I have really found a love for swimming and I knew I would push through everything that came about.
Q: What do you attribute to being back to where you are today?
Definitely the support of my Dad. He constantly keeps me thinking positively and my coaches as well. The physical therapy that I've been doing as well as the help of Tiff [Thompson], our athletic trainer, has been really effective.
Q: Can you remember a specifically trying time and how did you get through it?
The beginning of this year was definitely rough for me. I had a really good summer and I wanted a stand out senior year. When I wasn't able to compete in the first few meets and was being held back in practice was tough, but I think that my support system was very helpful. Every day I still look forward to going to practice.
Q: Did overcoming your injury influence your mindset as an athlete now?
I think that knowing I've overcome injuries before made me know that I could overcome my shoulder injury. My mental outlook is that even though it's not the best situation, you can still accomplish what you need to accomplish.
Q: What advice could you offer to other athletes struggling through an injury?
Definitely try to keep as positive an outlook as you can, do everything that you're told to do, and don't overdo it. Learn that you can push yourself, but know when to stop because you can be doing more damage. Be patient with your progress and persistent with your therapy.
Q: What are you looking forward to most this season?
I am looking forward to the build up to Patriots. It's an amazing meet and knowing that it is going to be my last swim meet ever is something I really look forward to having good times at. Having a good Patriot run would be great.
