Give Me A Hand

By ALDO MAGALLANES              
The Tower 

Jesus Gomez hand fresh out of surgery taken at Kaiser Permanente in Modesto California (Photo Contributed)

MANTECA-The last volleyball season began with high expectations and strong determination from the team. As a senior of MHS, Jesus Gomez entered the year knowing it would be his final chance to leave a mark. The practices were competitive, and the team had one main goal in mind: making a deep playoff run. Jesus was prepared to give everything he had to make his last season memorable. 

“This season means everything to me. It’s my last one, so I wanted to give it my all.”  Says Jesus. 

During a fast-paced game, an unexpected accident changed his season. As he prepared for a play at the net, a teammate of his lost balance and fell backward, landing on Jesus’s hand. The impact injured the middle knuckle on his finger, forcing him out of the game. After medical evaluation, it was clear the injury would require surgery and months of recovery. 

“It happened so fast. One second, I was ready for the hit, and the next I felt pain in my hand. The doctors said it could take about five months to recover, plus a couple months of therapy.” Says Jesus 

The injury was really devastating for Jesus, especially knowing it happened during his senior year. After working so hard all season and preparing for one final run with his teammates, it was difficult for him to accept that it could end so suddenly. Watching from the sidelines instead of being on the court was frustrating and emotional. He had trained for months to be at his best, and now he had to face the possibility of missing the biggest moments of his last season. 

The injury has significantly affected his ability to pass and set up two essential skills in volleyball. With limited strength and movement in his finger, he is currently unable to compete. Instead of being on the court, he now supports his teammates from the sidelines while focusing on healing and rehabilitation.  

“I feel a lot weaker right now. Passing and setting aren’t the same with my finger injured.” Says Jesus. 

Although the recovery process will take several months, Jesus remains determined to return before the season fully slips away. Despite the setback, he continues to stay mentally strong and focused on helping his team reach the playoffs once he is healthy against 

“I will come back stronger. Once I’m ready, my goal is to help my team make it to the playoffs and win. says Jesus 

Even though this injury has been hard for Jesus right now, this has shown him how strong he is as a person. He didn’t let it completely bring him down, even though it was his senior year. He still supports his team and stays positive while he recovers. This setback won’t stop him from working hard, and he is determined to come back stronger before the season ends.