Coming Back STRONGER from INJURY | Recovering Psychologically and Emotionally with Dr. Lauren Walker

Injury is an inevitable part of the sport experience, but athletes often overlook the psychological aspects of recovery. Dr. Lauren Walker, Manager of Athlete Development at USA Volleyball, guides athletes through common mental and emotional responses to injury by discussing the meaning players give to their volleyball journey and recovery experience. Walker emphasizes focusing on what the athlete can control, open and transparent communication between rehabilitation professionals and coaches, setting realistic goals for return to the volleyball court, and accepting the emotions that appear in each step of recovery. Thank you to Dr. Justin DiSanti (Duquesne University) for providing source material. 00:00 - The Psychological Side of Injury 01:37 - Why You Need a Pre-Injury Plan 04:43 - Communicating With Your Team & Coach 07:48 - Navigating the Rehabilitation Stage 09:09 - Maintaining Motivation & Setting Goals 11:00 - Challenges of Returning to Play 13:35 - Building Resilience & a Growth Mindset"