SPORTS & RECREATION
Q & A: The Strong Comeback of Autumn Clark Left, Autumn Clark recently broke the discus record at Greater Atlanta Christian. Right, Clark’s long running sport from 8th grade has been volleyball.
jury which sidelined her for a while — but not for long. She powered through her rehab and had returned stronger and more determined than ever. Peachtree Corners Magazine (PCM) connected with Autumn to discuss her athletic commitments, her recovery process and what she’s looking forward to in her bright future. PCM: When did you start having an interest in sports, and specifically volleyball? What drew you to that and when did you realize you had potential? Autumn: I started Club Volleyball in the spring of my 8th grade year. I didn’t really know much about the sport besides playing it at summer camps at my school. I knew I always liked the sport, so my friend recommended I try out at a club. I tried out for A5 Pure Volleyball Club and made a team. I knew I had potential then because A5 is the #1 ranked volleyball club in the nation, and if I can make a team at A5, I could be successful anywhere.
A
utumn Clark, a student at Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC), is a gifted athlete who has worked tenaciously to develop her talents. More than a year ago, she suffered an in-
By Rico Figliolini
46
Photos by George Hunter
Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ August/September 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com
PCM: We understand you had an injury last October while playing volleyball. What was it and how have you come out of it? Autumn: On October 1, 2020, we were playing Mill Creek, in the fourth set of the game. I landed wrong on my left leg and instantly collapsed and passed out. The MRI showed that I tore my ACL, tore both the medial and lateral meniscus, tore my MCL and fractured my tibia. I had surgery done at Resurgence Orthopedics by Dr. Morris, and I currently do physical therapy at Advanced
peachtreecornerslife
peachtreecornerslife
Rehabilitation with Evan. Now in July 2021, I’m able to play volleyball again. In my spring 2021 track season, I began to throw again for track after going to intensive physical therapy three times a week, two hours each session. I was able to place third in State AAA for discus, win my sectionals in track and break a school record, as my coach says, “with one leg.” PCM: During that time, did you feel like recovery was going to be challenging? How did you work your way through that? How did you encourage yourself? Autumn: I definitely didn’t fully comprehend the time commitment this injury required. I told my doctor I would be back in three months, but I was definitely wrong. I had to talk to my parents a lot about my struggles and they helped me get through it emotionally. I encouraged myself to stay physically fit and to become better by watching volleyball and track meets on TV. I knew recovery would be challenging — and it still is. The worst part is being told that I can’t do something I used to excel at. I encourage myself to rehab and train every day so I can get back to doing the sports I love at an even higher level. PCM: When were you finally cleared to compete and play? Autumn: I was cleared to throw in track with a brace in late February. I got cleared to play volleyball in late July. PCM: So now you play club and school sports? Which ones? Autumn: I am on the Varsity Track team at GAC, the Varsity volleyball team at GAC and a club track team, Rockslingers. I also play club volleyball at A5 Pure Volleyball. PCM: Do you have any particularly favorite memories over the past year or two that you’d like to share? Autumn: My top three favorpeachtreecornerslife
