Conditions + Treatments
ACL Injury/Reconstruction
Knee Injury/Condition
From the moment she could dribble a basketball, I knew Embry was destined for the court. Even as a little girl, she was precocious and fiercely independent, with a natural gift for sports. She played with a level of intelligence and determination that far exceeded her years. Whether on the soccer field or the basketball court, she thrived, her competitive spirit and analytical mind setting her apart.
Then, in a split second, everything changed.
During an AAU basketball game in April 2024, Embry executed a Euro step for a layup, but she landed awkwardly. The pain was immediate. Though she initially tried to play through it, she quickly realized something was terribly wrong.
My husband, Chandler, and I immediately knew where to turn for help — Dr. Lyle Cain at Andrews Sports Medicine. The diagnosis was devastating — an ACL tear. At just 13 years old, Embry faced a challenge unlike any she had encountered before, and as her mother, I worried not just about the physical pain but about the emotional toll it would take on her.
I had torn my ACL as a 10th grader and had gone to Andrews Sports Medicine for treatment, so we felt confident in our choice. Surgery was inevitable, and the road to recovery would be long and arduous. It was heartbreaking to watch our daughter go through something so difficult at such a young age, but I also knew that if anyone could handle it, it was Embry.
Physical therapy became Embry's new battleground. Under the guidance of the incredible physical therapy team, she tackled rehab with the same tenacity she brought to the court. A family friend even brought over a Peloton bike, which became a key part of her daily routine. She pushed herself every day, determined to come back stronger. Her physical therapists were so impressed with her work ethic that they even named an exercise 'Embry Quad' after her—a true testament to her grit and perseverance.
At five months post-surgery, the moment of truth arrived. Embry underwent a strength test, a crucial milestone in her recovery. When Dr. Cain looked at her and said, "You passed the test," I saw the joy and relief wash over her. He even told her that she had outperformed many collegiate athletes that have been under his care. At that moment, I knew all her hard work had paid off—she was cleared to return to practice.
Six months post-op, Embry was back in competitive play. Though initially cautious, she grew more confident with each practice and game. Her coach, understanding her journey, eased her back into action, allowing her to find her rhythm. By the start of the 2024 middle school basketball season, she was her old self again—diving for loose balls, taking aggressive shots, and leading her team.
Embry's perseverance culminated in an unforgettable eighth-grade season at Homewood Middle School. She captained her team to the Metro Championship and was named tournament MVP. Watching her accept that award, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with pride. What could have been a setback became a defining chapter in her story, proving that resilience and determination can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
We are a family of faith, and I know God was with Embry on her hardest days, lifting her spirits and helping her find patience and peace.
Embry’s journey has been more than just a sports comeback; it has been a testament to the power of grit, support, and perseverance. As her mother, I have seen firsthand how strong she is, and I know her story will inspire other young athletes facing adversity. If there's one thing I've learned through this experience, it's that with hard work and heart, a comeback is always possible.
Kristen McGarrah - Embry McGarrah's Mom
