A basketball breakdown and burnout. (voices).

NEW MADISON, OHIO-- I once had a passion for basketball. Yet after years of practice, three knee operations, and months of rehabilitation, I couldn't take it anymore--I had to get out.

You would think I'd be nuts to quit after all the effort I put in. Working hard on junior high teams, a local league, and summer camps earned me a starting spot on the varsity team as a 5-foot-10 freshman, playing any position.

Everything was fine until a January practice. Going after a loose ball, I tore the anterior cruciate ligament, part of the knee joint, which runs from the bottom of the thighbone to the top of the shin. I fell to the floor and couldn't get up.

Rehabilitating my knee so I could walk, run, and play again was not easy. But what did I care, since I loved the game? After ACL reconstructive surgery, I started two-hour therapy sessions twice a week. Finally in June, I was allowed back in the game.

In my sophomore season, I was the starting point guard. But with extra hours of practice and strenuous knee exercises, I became sorer by the day. I had surgery to repair cartilage damage. I thought I'd be back on the court in three weeks; instead, I ended up not being able to walk for three weeks.

I came back for the playoffs, which proved to be too soon. My knee still wasn't right, and again my ACL was reconstructed. I watched from the sidelines for half my junior season.

Not until my senior year did I get to play a full season. I led the county in rebounds and made the district all-star team. I had offers to play at some colleges.

But as I packed my bag after my last game, I stood in the locker room feeling empty inside. I realized that I didn't want to play basketball ever again. It had drained me mentally and physically.

If I hadn't torn my ACL, maybe I would have burned out anyway. I still love the game, but my passion faded along with the strength it takes to keep going. I know there's a greater dream out there that I'm supposed to pursue.

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