Chery Tiggo Crossovers middle blocker Imee Hernandez emphasizes the importance of patience and resilience as she recovers from a left knee injury.
Chery Tiggo Crossovers middle blocker Imee Hernandez knows all too well the challenges that come with injury recovery.
After injuring her left knee for the second time during the 2023 PVL Second All-Filipino Conference, Hernandez has embraced a journey emphasizing the importance of patience and resilience.
“Okay naman 'yung nagiging recovery. Hindi naman namin siya minamadali since this is my second time na na-injure ko 'yung left knee ko,” Hernandez shared in a special interview with the PVL.
Recalling the moment she sustained her injury, Hernandez described the overwhelming emotions she felt.
“Nung moment kasi na na-injure ako, alam ko na 'yun eh. Nung moment na 'yun na nakahiga ako sa floor, ang mine-mention ko nga nun kay ate Eya [Laure] 'yung tuhod ko,” she recounted.
The weight of the situation began to sink in, especially when she felt her emotions spill over after leaving the dugout.
“Dun na ako naiyak, dun ko na nalabas 'yung emotion ko talaga. Dun na unti-onti nagsisink in sakin,” Hernandez reflected.
Months have passed since the injury, and the 24-year-old middle blocker openly admits that maintaining her patience is the biggest struggle.
“Ilang months na 'yung nakakalipas and sobrang gusto ko na ring makabalik, gusto ko nang makasama 'yung teammates ko, gusto ko nang makalaro,” said Hernandez.
However, having already experienced the entire recovery process, Hernandez understands that it requires time and a deep level of patience.
[ALSO READ: ‘Fighting!’: Chery Tiggo’s Imee Hernandez upbeat about recovery from knee injury]
“Sa injury talaga kailangan mahaba 'yung pasensya mo kasi hindi naman siya like three weeks or a month, okay na,” Hernandez explained. “Kailangan talaga nandiyan 'yung pasensya mo sa sarili mo, sa ginagawa mo, and sa process and 'yung progress ng ginagawa mo.”
“Oonti-untihin natin 'yung process natin pagbalik. Hindi naman siya like pagbalik natin, nandiyan na agad. Gusto namin siyempre 'yung 100% para naman siyempre hindi masayang kung ano 'yung pinaghirapan namin,” she added.
As she continues to make her way back to the taraflex, Hernandez keeps her dream of competing at a high level in volleyball in the back of her mind.
“Kahit sinong volleyball player, pangarap na makapunta sa kung nasaan kami ngayon. Mahalaga siya sa'kin kasi siyempre nandito na ako eh. Hindi ko siya puwedeng pakawalan lang kasi na-injure ako,” said Hernandez.
“Rest assured naman na gagawin ko lahat para maka-recover ako ng maayos and maging better sa kung ano ako before,” she added.