University of Minnesota Athletics
FIghting Uphill: Jordan Barnes
1/3/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
“It was in practice. We were working on defensive transitions where there's five offensive players and three defensive players and I was just trying to go from a defensive slide to running and it just happened. I don't really remember much else.”
That's how Jordan recalls the season-changing event suffered this fall in a Saturday practice. Leading up to a season where she and Leslie Knight, were prepared to take control of a team that had been lacking seniority the previous season, hopes were high for Barnes. A defensive artist and a shutdown guard, Jordan's style of play keeps opposing perimeter players from filling in the stat sheets.
However, this season her role has changed dramatically with the injury. No longer able to lead on the court, Jordan has found herself on the outside looking in for practices and games.
“It's really hard because when you're injured, you're separated from the team so you're not really part of everything since you're not on the floor playing,” Barnes said. “I just try to make a conscious effort of making sure I have really good friendships with all my teammates and I'm there for them when they need me. I'll rebound for them after practice and just do the little things so I still feel connected.”
With time spent on rehab and at practices, Jordan feels that she has less free time than before the injury, citing “more commitments.” Her schedule consists of two hours of rehab each day with work on stationary bikes and warming up with the team continues to demand effort each day. Along with the rehab comes the obligatory schedule of a basketball player, with Barnes still attending film sessions and conditioning.
As expected, the road to recovery so far has been painful and exhausting for Jordan. Despite the physical stress from the injury, other troubles are more concerning.
“I would say the hardest part is mentally. I knew my knee was going to hurt, but it's hard when you want to do something to help your team, or when they're running sprints in practice it's hard for me to watch because I want to be running those with them. I guess mentally it's just been the hardest thing I've ever gone through. But it's going to get better,” Barnes said.
“I've definitely shed plenty of tears, it's been hard. I just try to lean on my teammates because they all support me. Ashley (Ellis-Milan) has been through this before so she prepared me for this a little before surgery. She told me it's a long road to recovery. Also our athletic trainer here, Moira Novak, has been great at keeping me upbeat about it. My roommate Leslie (Knight), Korinne (Campbell), and Zoe Harper have been people for me to lean on. If I'm crying during practice or during therapy they'll come and talk to me, even when I'm at home icing they'll be there.”
In her current state, Barnes is anywhere from game-ready. But for an athlete who underwent surgery only about one month ago on November 29, she looks far from defeated. Before practices, she can be seen on a stationary bike, furiously peddling through labored breaths and physical pain with one goal in mind: comeback.
“My knee's feeling really good actually. I shouldn't say really good, but it feels a lot better and I'm able to walk on it and ride the bike. I mean I'm starting to feel a little more confidence since I can walk without the brace,” said Barnes. “I would love to come back. I mean I'm really working hard to do that but I still don't know if medically they would clear me to play. I'm keeping my hopes up.”
Despite losing a key member of the team, the Gophers have found new players to step into roles and establish themselves as leaders of the club. While Barnes may be injured, she points out it forces the others to become big-time contributors.
“Leslie has been doing a great job leading. Emmy Fox is a great leader on the floor emotionally. I think Brittany McCoy has taken over the captain’s role and she kind of directs everybody on the court,” said Barnes. “Everyone on our team does different things to step up. Ashley is a very vocal person and all of them are developing to be play-makers in big-time situations. I'm so proud of my teammates; they're doing awesome. We're on a roll and were playing confidently and I would do anything to be out there with them.”
Regardless of what happens this season, Jordan keeps looking ahead. Graduating last spring with a degree in marketing and coaching studies, she is currently pursuing her master's degree in applied sport sciences. She remains hopeful this path will keep her connected to basketball.
“I would love to coach in the future. I think I would definitely love to be a high school coach and run my own program someday. I really learned from playing here how to be a good coach since we have a great coaching staff and some really good people to follow.”
But for now, Barnes sees this hindrance as an opportunity. With all the pain and tears that come with the situation, so does her chance to show why she bleeds maroon and gold.
“If I can do this, I can conquer anything. I feel like if I get to play and make a comeback, it will be something for my teammates to see because it will show them how much I care and how much I want to be here.”
Story written by Ben Flattum, Athletic Communications Assistant
