Aduke Ogunsanya has triumphantly returned to the court after a 14-month hiatus, marked by a challenging recovery from a torn ACL that forced her to miss three consecutive conferences in the Premier Volleyball League.
The setback occurred on July 19, 2022, during Choco Mucho's clash against the Philippine Army when the 5-foot-11 middle blocker sustained a torn ACL in her right knee. This unfortunate injury sidelined her for the entire 2022 Reinforced Conference, the 2023 First All-Filipino Conference, and the Invitational Conferences.
However, on the opening day of the Second All-Filipino Conference on October 15, Ogunsanya made a stellar comeback, showcasing her resilience and determination. In a dominating performance against NXLED, she played a pivotal role in the Flying Titans' straight-sets victory, amassing six points through five powerful attacks and a well-placed service ace.
Ogunsanya, a product of De La Salle University, expressed the challenges she faced during her recovery, particularly dealing with the pain and adjusting to the unique demands of Coach Dante Alinsunurin's blocking system. Despite the difficulties, she remains committed to regaining her pre-injury form and pushing herself to new heights.
"The journey with my ACL was tough, and I didn't anticipate the level of pain and difficulty. I know myself; I have a high pain tolerance, so I thought I could handle any injury without much concern. But now, my body has shifted, and the pain has become more pronounced," shared Ogunsanya.
She acknowledged the complexities of Coach Alinsunurin's blocking system, given her role as a middle blocker with lateral movements. Despite the challenges, Ogunsanya assured her coach that she would meet the team's standards and steadily improve with each passing day.
Always humble and focused, she stated, "I always empty my cup so there's room for constant improvement."
Despite tough competition in the middle blocker position within the Flying Titans, including players like Maddie Madayag, Maika Ortiz, Bea De Leon, and Cherry Nunag, Ogunsanya remains unfazed. Whether coming off the bench or starting, her mindset remains consistent – always ready to contribute whenever called upon.
"Right now, I'm always ready. Even if I'm not a starter, my mindset is there, the trust that anytime I'm called, I'm ready," affirmed Ogunsanya.
As she continues her journey of self-improvement, Ogunsanya looks ahead to the upcoming match against Akari on Saturday, eager to contribute to the team's success and prove that her triumphant return is just the beginning of her renewed volleyball journey.
