Photo provided by Elena Howe
People say life works in mysterious ways, and for this junior at Boise State University, life has done just that. I had the privilege of speaking to Elena Howe on their experience being a college student, moving away from home, and having to medically retire from Volleyball.
Aaliyana Balderas: What drew you to Boise State University?
Elena Howe (She/They): I got recruited to play volleyball here. I was looking at a bunch of schools but wanted to play D1 and BSU had such a great dynamic and Boise seemed like a fun place to be, not only for volleyball but for school and outside life.
BALDERAS: How long have you been playing volleyball?
HOWE: I played volleyball for 7 years, but I had to medically retire because of a concussion. I got a concussion in early September of 2020 and could not even step foot in the gym until late November. I had to drop out of some of my classes, go to physical therapy, and speech therapy because I developed bad cognitive conditions and a bad stutter. I started playing again in February and couldn’t come back to full speed of the game and my reaction time was significantly slower so I had a long meeting with my coaches and trainers and decided it was time to medically retire.
BALDERAS: How did you cope with not being able to play volleyball anymore?
HOWE: When I got my concussion I also got severe depression, which is also a symptom, so throughout trying to recover I was also fighting depression. When I stopped playing I was very lost in life and had no idea what to do. All I knew was volleyball and my whole world revolves around that one sport. It was super hard for me to find myself. While playing, psychiatrists would always tell players to find something you love to do outside your sport but I never really listened or had time to find something else that brought me joy. I really wish I did do something besides volleyball because it’s hard finding something else you love. Now, I kinda disassociate myself with volleyball because I was a totally different person 9 months ago when I was playing. I changed mentally, physically, and emotionally. I think now I am a stronger person in all of those categories and actually living my life with nothing holding me back. Volleyball was also hard for me because I am a very masculine person and volleyball is a very feminine sport so it’s easier for me to disassociate with my volleyball days since I don’t even look the same any more.
BALDERAS: What career are you going to school for? Has your inability to play volleyball impacted your career goals in any way?
HOWE: So ever since high school I knew I wanted to work with athletes. I had a lot of bone surgeries growing up so I was always doing physical therapy and my therapist was so good and made the environment so fun. I knew I wanted to be a physical therapist my junior year of high school and declared my major in kinesiology with an emphasis on pre athletic training in hopes to get a masters or doctorate in physical therapy. Volleyball and sports has had a big impact on my career choice but I knew what I have wanted to do for a while and it brings me so much joy. So far as a junior in my undergraduate degree I have not changed my major in any way and love it so much.
BALDERAS: How far away from home did you move to go to Boise?
HOWE: My home town is 4 hours away.
BALDERAS: What has been the best thing about moving away from home? What has been the worst?
HOWE: I think the best thing about moving out of my hometown is just a new start. The best thing that has come out of moving was meeting my best friends who have turned into my new family. I didn’t like my hometown at all but the worst part about leaving was not seeing all of my family constantly, but because I live pretty close it’s not that far of a drive home….but I never go home unless I have to.
BALDERAS: How would you describe the community at Boise State?
HOWE: The community at Boise State is very supportive, like every University there is always room for growth and things can always get better, but the whole Boise area and surrounding cities all support Boise State and their athletics since there aren’t any pro teams or sports here. The atmosphere can be crazy.
BALDERAS: What are you looking forward to this year in 2022?
HOWE: MORE PERSONAL GROWTH! I am very excited because I’m going into this year actually feeling like myself and loving myself so much! I have big personal goals for the year and am excited about the future! I also turn 21 haha.
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