It started off as a dream. Hazen graduate Monica Nevi would be playing basketball for a Division I team at Seattle University. But right before the first day of practice, Nevi’s dreams hit a snag, or rather, a curb.
Nevi was playing basketball outside of her house before leaving for the first day of conditioning, when she tripped on a small curb and severely sprained her ankle. The injury left deep bone bruising and was very nearly a break.
Nevi has yet to play this season because of the injury. If the rehabilitation goes as planned, she could be able to practice near the end of the Redhawks’ season.
Nevi led the Highlanders with 15.8 points (Hazen averaged 50.8 points per game total) and 3.1 assists per game last year in her senior season. She also averaged 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game.
Seattle University head coach Dan Kriley scouted Nevi in summer play for three seasons and saw that she would fit into the Redhawks’ style well.
As for Nevi, the choice to attend Seattle University and become a Redhawk was easy: A Division I basketball team that’s close to home, with a coaching staff and team she loves. SU also has a strong sports and exercise science program, Nevi’s major of choice.
“I love the area and it’s nice for family and friends because they can come see me sit on the bench,” Nevi said, only half joking.
As a competitor, it’s clear not being able to compete this season is eating at Nevi.
“It’s more frustrating because it’s not that I didn’t do well or didn’t perform,” Nevi said. “I didn’t have an opportunity to do anything at all.”
The nature of Nevi’s injury also adds to the frustration. She likely won’t need surgery. She needs a lot of rehabilitation and a lot of time.
Kriley said despite his disappointment with not having one of his talented freshman on the floor, he knows Nevi’s disappointment is much deeper.
“She just hasn’t had a chance to show herself,” he said. “She hasn’t had an opportunity to get to know teammates on the floor. She’s spent more time with the athletic trainer than with the team.”
Kriley and the coaching staff are bouncing around the idea of red-shirting Nevi to maintain her eligibility for four more seasons. While that would move would give her more time as a Redhawk, it would also officially end her hopes of playing at all this season.
With her vantage point from the bench, Nevi is taking time to improve her game mentally. Noticing tendencies and observing the game from a spot she’s never been at for very long in her basketball career.
Nevi isn’t about the numerous cliches that apply to her situation: Absence makes the heart grow fonder, adversity builds character, etc. She just wants to be back on the hardwood.
“For me basketball has always been one of those things where I’d rather win than score a lot. It’s always about the team,” she said. “And not being able to help my team is the toughest part for me. As soon as I can help them, I’ll be out there.”
