Shreveport, La. — Ninth‑grader Macy Fuller faced a daunting setback when a routine tumbling pass during tryouts for the Louisiana Rebel All Stars’ Level 4 senior competitive team resulted in a severe knee fracture. The injury broke her tibia and shattered the growth plate, threatening her athletic future.
Injury and immediate response
Fuller was executing a round‑off back‑handspring layout when she landed awkwardly. “It was right when I came down. It just felt so bad and, like, wrong,” she recalled. “My knee was going completely out sideways. This doesn’t look right.”
Despite trying to walk off the impact, the damage was critical. Doctors explained that her specific stage of physical growth made the injury especially severe; had it occurred six months earlier or later, the harm likely would have been less extensive.
Surgery and early recovery
The following morning, Fuller underwent surgery at Highland Clinic performed by Dr. George Byram III. The procedure repaired the broken tibia and addressed the growth‑plate injury. In addition to physical pain, the incident shook Fuller’s confidence about her future in cheerleading.
“It was like my first opportunity I ever got to make the team. I felt like I completely blew it,” she said. “I saw my mom getting out of the ambulance at the hospital, and the first thing I asked her was if I was going to be done or if I was going to be able to go back.”
Rehabilitation and determination
While on crutches, Fuller continued to attend team practices, refusing to miss a single competition during the season. She followed a rigorous physical‑therapy regimen, gradually rebuilding strength and mobility. Her perseverance paid off when she returned to the mat and performed the same tumbling pass that had caused the injury.
“It really made me feel good and that I could get back where I was,” Fuller said after landing the maneuver.
Full recovery and future outlook
Now fully resumed in cheerleading and tumbling, Fuller says the recovery process sparked an interest in sports medicine. She hopes her experience can encourage other young athletes facing long rehabilitation periods.
“Stay faithful and consistent with everything,” Fuller advised. “Do your physical therapy. It helps and that you’ll be back soon.”
Community support
Fuller’s family, coaches, and teammates rallied around her throughout the ordeal, exemplifying the supportive spirit of Shreveport’s athletic community. Their encouragement, combined with Fuller’s determination, underscores the importance of faith, family, and perseverance in overcoming adversity.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
