A temporary pause on the court, but growth beyond its limits that will shine through as the season gets underway.

It was December, 21, 2024, and tension was palpable inside the Athletics-Recreation Center as the game approached its final moments. In a hard-fought, closely contested battle against Detroit Mercy, with just one possession separating the two teams, Raeven Raye-Redmond (at the time a sophomore) saw a season of remarkable progress (career highs: 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) come to an end following a lower-leg injury. Nearly two years later, she is back on the court. But the journey that brought her back has changed more than her physical strength. It has reshaped her perspective on the game, her teammates, and herself.

You got injured at a time when you were making a lot of progress. How did you experience that? / How did you feel?
"When it happened on the court, I was in shock. And when I realized that I couldn't get back up, I was really upset, but we still had a game to play, so I had to put that aside and keep encouraging my team to finish the game. We were at a crucial point in the game because we were up by one point, and that made it hurt even more because we were so close. We had also been on a good run that season, and this was the highlight of our season.

But I didn't really realize that I was injured until I got home that evening for Christmas break. It was the first time in my career that I had experienced an injury, and I didn't know how to handle it. I realized that I wasn't going to be able to play basketball for a certain period of time, and it felt surreal to me."

Rehabilitation is a slow and demanding process. How did you experience it? What different stages did you go through month after month?
"During the first few months, I had to rest because I needed surgery, so physically, there wasn't much I could do. From the beginning of my career at the age of 3 until today, I have always operated with the mindset that I needed to be ready at all times. I had to get used to being inactive. It was a big change for me. I felt a little lost, but I tried to find solutions to stay in shape. I worked a lot on my upper body.

After 4–5 months, I really began taking the first steps in the process. I felt relieved, as though I was being rewarded for the rest I had gotten beforehand. I started with small, basic exercises: squats and being able to move my foot up and down.
The next step was being able to walk again, as well as gradually and steadily regaining the full strength in my legs. That was definitely the longest and most challenging part of the process. Rebuilding your muscle strength is a demanding process, and I realized that you lose muscle faster than you gain it. My leg has recovered to the point where I can fully play again, but I still have to keep building my muscle strength."

How do you feel today? What is your current physical condition?
"Honestly, today I feel really good. It took a lot of work to get to the point where I am able to play basketball again, keep up with my teammates, and no longer be limited. It feels really great. I feel in great shape.

I think I will never be who I was before, regardless of the fact that I was injured, because we are always growing as people. Today, I am a new and better version of myself."

What personal efforts did you make to get back to your best level, both physically and mentally?
"Physically, I was supported throughout the entire process by an athletic trainer. During and outside of our sessions, I made it a priority to give 100% in every exercise I had to do.

Mentally, I really wanted to recover in a healthy way, so I learned to be patient with myself and trust the process. My mom would often tell me, "This too shall pass" which means that even if there are difficult moments in life, once they are over, you shouldn't dwell on them. You have to keep moving forward. That phrase has shaped my life, and it took on even greater meaning at that particular time."

What allowed you to keep moving forward despite the length of the process?
"One of my biggest motivations is my grandparents. They haven't been able to watch me play over the past two years because they can't always come to the games. But they have continued watching them on TV, even if it was just to see me encouraging my teammates from the bench. I really want to play for them because, given their age, I realize how lucky I am to have them, as well as my entire family."

What roles did your team, the staff, and the people around you play throughout this rehabilitation process?
"I have a really supportive and close-knit family. Everyone checks in on me regularly. They have been a tremendous source of support for me. They have provided me with everything I needed, both materially and emotionally. They are my biggest supporters, and I love them so much. All their efforts are what help me play every day.

I am really grateful for the program's new staff, who, after getting to know me, helped me find strategies to get back to my best level. I am also grateful to my athletic trainer, who provided me with emotional support outside of our sessions. My teammates were also there for me at important moments. Each of them helped me move forward.

Finally, I would really like to highlight the contribution of the transportation staff throughout my rehabilitation process. I was on a scooter for about five months. They didn't just drive me to each of my classes; they also took the time to drive me to my medical appointments, which they weren't required to do. That was a huge help to me, and I really appreciated the gesture. I was able to build a good relationship with the members of that department."

Raeven, in 2024, you experienced a pause in your progression. Do you want to regain that momentum, or does 2026 mark a new chapter with new goals?
"I would say that I never really lost my momentum. It was put on pause on the court, but off the court, I kept my energy so I could pass it on to my teammates. What I would do was go up to them and tell them why they were the best, individually, before each game.

That gave me an additional ability: the ability to look beyond myself. I learned to encourage them and build connections with each of them, while continuing to encourage myself because you have to be your own cheerleader. Overall, I would say it helped me become a better teammate, and that is now translating onto the court as well. Being off the court also allowed me to gain a different perspective on the game and helped me become a better player for my coaches.

This season, I am ready to release all the energy I have been holding onto for so long. My first goal is to stay healthy. I don't want to do anything that could bring me back to the position I was in before. So I want to maintain my physical strength and build even more.

Secondly, I want to set records and go as far as possible in the tournament. I want to contribute to the long-term success of this program."

Maci is the only player who really saw you go through this entire period. How has it impacted your relationship?
"Maci and I have a special bond, and we are also from the same area. I was injured before her, and when she got injured too, we went through the same experience. She understood me on a deeper level because we went through the same stages. Thanks to that, we were able to support each other. It strengthened our bond, and it also had an impact on our chemistry on the court. We are even roommates now, and she is one of my best friends on the team. She played an important role in my journey."

What role did the Valpo community play during this period?
"I work at the ticket office during football, volleyball, and men's basketball games. When some fans see me, they recognize me and encourage me. They sometimes ask me when I'm going to play again. I haven't played in over a year, and the fact that they remember me means a lot to me as a player. Because after an extended break, you just don't know whether people will remember you. It really feels good."

22 months is the amount of time between your last official game and your return this season. What are the little things you have missed and are looking forward to getting back?
"I have spent the past few months staying involved with the team off the court. I have also taken part in all the team activities. The only thing I miss is being on the court with my teammates. Contributing directly to the team's success."

How do you feel approaching this Home Opener against the same team you played nearly two years ago?
"I am really excited about playing. Honestly, I just want to play basketball, no matter who the opponent is. I am ready to play again.

I believe in this team, and I think we are going to go further this season. That is why I decided to stay. We will need all the support the community can give us. Because when we have people showing up for us, it allows us to push ourselves further."