Nov. 19, 2013
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Editor’s Note: The following first appeared in the University of Iowa’s Hawk Talk Daily, an e-newsletter that offers a daily look at the Iowa Hawkeyes, delivered free each morning to thousands of fans of the Hawkeyes worldwide.
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Redshirt sophomore Kathryn Reynolds is back contributing for the 4-0 University of Iowa women’s basketball team.
“Every time I get to go in, I look at it as an opportunity,” said Reynolds, a 5-foot-7 guard. “Where I am now, compared to six months ago, it is fun to be out there with my teammates again, and to have the chance to be out there.”
Reynolds, an Academic All-Big Ten honoree, played in 21 games as a freshman in 2011-12, before missing the entire 2012-13 season after suffering an ACL injury in April 2012.
“It was a long, slow process,” said Reynolds, a native of Cincinnati. “I got hurt and had an initial first surgery, and rehabbed for six months before having another surgery. Then, I had some complications that were unexpected that led to a third surgery.
“Even six months ago, I was just having another surgery. It is night-and-day to be able to practice every day, versus that. It was a long process, but it was all worth it to be able to compete again.”
Reynolds is back.
She has competed in three games this season, averaging 4.3 points per contest. Reynolds set multiple career highs in Iowa’s 76-38 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, tallying eight points, while knocking down two 3-pointers.
“I am pleased and happy for Kathryn Reynolds,” said UI head coach Lisa Bluder following the win. “For what she has been through, tearing her ACL at the end of her freshman year for the second time, and then having to sit out last year and then coming back and scoring eight points tonight… I am happy for her.”
Reynolds’ perseverance paid off, and now, she is back having fun with her teammates on the court.
“She has had a lot of complications with her ACL, so that was a setback,” said Bluder. “Right now she’s starting to finally feel comfortable out on the floor. If there is one bright spot from the second half, it would be that Kathryn got more minutes, got to feel confident out there, and shot the ball well. It was great to see.”
Following two ACL injuries, Reynolds’ appreciation for the game has grown.
“I tore my ACL in high school as well, so I went through that once,” she said. “Being out there again, you realize how fun it is and what you have been missing. You become more thankful for the opportunity.”
Those who have watched this Hawkeye squad know it is a fun one to watch.
“This team has a lot of fun together,” said Reynolds. “We all hang out outside of basketball. It makes it that much better on the court when you have that chemistry. It is fun… everyone is looking for that extra pass, and that in part, is due to the chemistry we have off the court.”
The Hawkeyes hit the road for the first time this season Wednesday night, playing at No. 16 Colorado at 9:30 p.m. (CT) in Boulder, Colo. The contest can be seen live on the Pac-12 Network.