BY ASHA HARRIS, Junior
BLYTHEWOOD-- Junior Cortney Bowen anxiously awaits for the other team to set the ball and as she goes up for a block and comes down she finds the rest of her season will be on the bench.
“I was coming down from blocking and the girl that I was blocking, she floated into the net and her foot went under and I landed on her foot and my ankle rolled,” said Bowen, “I’m out for two weeks on crutches, It sucks,” she continued with a sorrow look.
Bowen is a strong athletic young woman. Even through her injuries and the pain she goes through her days still bringing life to any room.
“I find Cortney unique in the sense that she is willing to step up in a new position and give 100 percent. She doesn’t carry any animosity for being challenged and playing something that she is not used to. She has flourished, blossomed and been an amazing support to the team,” Blythewood volleyball coach Mary Hall said.
Bowen has been playing volleyball for two years and the one thing that motivates her to continue playing each year is the drive she gets when they win.
There are some tasks and skills that come easiest to Bowen given her gymnastics history.
“Jumping is something that comes easy, because I did gymnastics before I began playing volleyball,” said Bowen remembering her gymnastics days.
Her main struggle in life on and off court
The main obstacle standing in her way is a painful knee injury where she now has fluid in her bones which makes it harder to play.
There are certain tasks and skills that she can't do and activities she cant participate in.
“The pain never goes away,”said Bowen.
“I have much respect for Cortney, we make sure that we have a clear understanding that when ever she is feeling challenged with her body that she needs to take a break, making sure she does what she’s supposed to as far as icing, but I do have a lot of respect for her,” Hall said.
“I applaud her to be honest. She’s a fighter, she doesn’t let anything hold her back. She’s still as energetic as everyone else and she is dedicated,” junior teammate Aziha Carter said.
Her injury also affects her everyday life, as the pain she feels never goes away, and walking and performing tasks are a constant struggle.
She plans to have surgery for her knee in June after the season is over because she doesn't want to miss a single moment playing volleyball.
“The rehab process after the surgery is six months,” said Bowen with an utter look of distaste.
The Amount of Energy Brought to the Table
Bowen’s teammates feel she is extraordinary and she’s the most outgoing and energetic person on and off the court.
“Cortney brings an energy to the court and wherever she goes, She’s Goofy and funny.She just had that feel about her, it’s Energetic,” said Carter with the utmost excitement.
Bowen has goals for the future, including helping other injured athletes in the physical therapy industry and she sees herself going places and doing more with her life.
“I see myself becoming a physiatrist, I want to go to Penn State on a scholarship for volleyball,” Bowen said.
When Bowen talks about volleyball, she gets the biggest smile on her face. There is just a happy, content aura that protrudes from her.
Bowen’s coach and teammates said with the utmost sadness in their eyes they hope she recovers from her recent ankle injury swiftly and with no problems, because she is a strong fighter.
“Cortney has a lot of passion and drive when she was going into volleyball,” Carter said.
Her team and coach all love her and wish her all the best on all her endeavors. She is their “Cortdawgg” and that will never change.
Bowen is still recovering but made the SC Midlands volleyball team.
